Apple’s Health app is relatively open: external apps, tracking products, and sporting goods can access or write health data through the API if they want. On the other hand, the paid sports subscription service Fitness+ was previously closed: it could only be accessed using the Apple Watch. As early as 2025, Apple is now opening up the service a bit: Fitness+ will work with competing sports service Strava in the future. In addition to data sharing being possible for the first time, there is also a commercial collaboration between Apple and Strava.
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Workout on Strava
According to Apple, members who share Fitness+ workouts with Strava will now see a “comprehensive description” in the Strava app. This includes the values measured from the training as well as the name of the course including the instructors, cover photos of the training, and even the genre of music played during the course. This will then allow you to “follow your fitness journey” and share the information with your friends on Strava. In the future, current and new Strava members will be able to train for three months for free on Fitness+. After that, you will have to pay 9.99 euros per month or 79.99 euros per year (it’s slightly cheaper with Apple One).
Strava alone costs 10.99 euros per month or 74.99 euros per year. Strava’s member features include route tracking, segment leaderboards, and advanced workout analytics. In addition to running, Strava also tracks cycling, swimming, skiing, rowing, and strength training. The service can also be used free of charge to a limited extent.
More courses and “running time”
Fitness+ has otherwise expanded its range of courses. Starting Monday, other games, yoga programs, meditation, dance and more will be available, as well as the so-called Spotlight Series, featuring the musical training of certain artists. There’s also a new three-week strength training program that also appeals to beginners.
Finally, as part of Fitness+, Apple is also releasing new episodes of the “Time to Walk” series, which can be listened to on iPhone and Apple Watch. It features the artists talking about themselves during a tour that includes photographs and appropriate music. Users must conduct their own operations during broadcast. New features include an episode with actor Adam Scott from “Severance”. It will be available from January 13.
(B.Sc.)
