Apple Watch and Fitness+ double down on long-term fitness habits for 2026

Apple is enhancing the Apple Watch's role as a year-round fitness and health partner, supported by new research and an array of innovative Apple Fitness+ programs set to launch this month. The initiative is centered on assisting users in maintaining their fitness ambitions well beyond the initial New Year enthusiasm. Recent insights from the Apple Heart and Movement Study reveal that Apple Watch users are not only motivated at the start of the year but also show a remarkable ability to keep up their exercise routines in the following months. The research, which involved analyzing data from approximately 100,000 participants who consistently wore the Apple Watch, indicates a consistent increase in exercise minutes starting in January, with many users sustaining this uptick throughout the year. The data highlighted a notable resurgence in activity levels post-holiday season, with over 60% of users boosting their daily exercise by more than 10% in the first two weeks of January compared to their December averages. Nearly 80% of these users continued their elevated activity levels well into late January, with 90% managing to keep up through February and March. This comprehensive study was conducted with the cooperation of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the American Heart Association, comprising over 250,000 participants across the United States. To maintain motivation during January, Apple is introducing a limited-edition award called "Ring in the New Year." Apple Watch users can earn this award by closing all three Activity rings for seven consecutive days within the month. Additionally, for the first time, users can take part in a dedicated “Quit Quitting” challenge via the Strava app, where logging 12 workouts in January will earn participants a special badge for their Apple Watch, illustrating Apple's commitment to integrating with third-party fitness platforms. Starting January 5, Apple Fitness+ will unveil four new multi-week workout programs designed to provide clarity and structure for users at different fitness levels. The "Make Your Fitness Comeback" program is tailored for those returning to exercise, featuring a four-week regimen of brief Strength, HIIT, and Yoga sessions. Another program, "Build a Yoga Habit in 4 Weeks," focuses on enhancing flexibility and strength with two 10-minute yoga sessions weekly. For users seeking higher intensity, the "Back-to-Back Strength and HIIT" program merges both workout styles into 20-minute sessions, offered three times a week for three weeks. Additionally, the "Strength Basics in 3 Weeks" program, launching on January 12, is designed for beginners or those re-entering strength training, concentrating on technique and confidence. Apple Fitness+ is currently available in 48 countries, including India, with workouts accessible on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. The program also features an expanding Artist Spotlight series, showcasing new music-led workouts, including selections from popular artists like KAROL G and Bad Bunny, who will be highlighted around the Super Bowl halftime performance. The Time to Walk audio series will continue to engage users with new episodes featuring notable personalities such as actor and producer Penn Badgley and Spice Girls member Mel B, blending storytelling, visuals, and music to enhance the walking experience. With a strong emphasis on the Apple Watch as a key component of fitness and health monitoring, users can leverage AI-driven metrics to track workouts, cardio fitness trends, and other health insights. The current lineup includes the Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3, catering to a variety of fitness enthusiasts. In India, pricing for the Apple Watch starts at Rs 25,900 for the SE 3, Rs 46,900 for the Series 11, and Rs 89,900 for the Ultra 3, while Apple Fitness+ subscriptions are available at Rs 149 per month or Rs 999 annually, with potential free trial offers for new device purchasers.