Apple’s Few Layoffs Indicate Upcoming Powerful Health App Upgrade

Apple’s Health App Expansion Amid Fitness+ Layoffs

You’ve likely heard rumors about Apple’s move to integrate health and fitness features into its Health app. These whispers have been spurred on by recent reported layoffs at Apple. While Apple is known to avoid large-scale job cuts, these minor layoffs could indicate a strategic shift.

Apple Fitness+ Layoffs

Apple’s Fitness+ service offers guided workouts aimed at Apple Watch owners who are also interested in services like Peloton. Recently, a few employees working on these guided workouts were let go, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The Impact on Apple’s Fitness Features

According to Gurman, the layoffs affected teams involved with Fitness+ features Time to Walk and Time to Run, which debuted in 2022. These fitness features were introduced as part of a motivational and informational exercise program aimed at beginners, similar to Nike’s introductory program. However, Apple may face challenges attracting serious fitness enthusiasts who prefer more intense programs and devices like Whoops and Garmins.

Apple’s New Direction in Health and Fitness

From a different Gurman report, it appears that Eddy Cue, Apple’s new head of services, is keen on improving health and fitness services. Gurman reported that Cue uses competitor health devices and wants broader changes to the health strategy. It was also mentioned that Apple revised plans for an AI-powered virtual health coach app, “Mulberry,” and its features would be integrated into Health.

The Future of Apple Fitness+

In Gurman’s report, he speculates that the recent Fitness+ layoffs are part of a gradual shift towards consolidating Fitness+ into the Health app. With the recent iOS 27.2 beta revamp of the Health app, there may be less need for beginner audio guides, which were part of Fitness+’s offerings.