Streaming fitness apps are all the rage right now, so it's no surprise that Apple got in on the action. Apple Fitness+ has been around for the last couple of years, but it recently got a revamp that puts it in the same class as the Peloton App and iFit. While this app is exclusive to Apple users—it only works with an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch—it has a little something for everyone.
The fitness app offers 11 types of workouts, from dance and yoga to high-intensity interval training. There are also video and audio meditations, as well as mindful cool-downs. One of the things that make this app stand out from others is its ability to personalize recommendations and track metrics. If you connect an Apple Watch, you'll be able to see these metrics, like heart rate and calories burned, live during your workout.
In this Apple Fitness Plus review, the ACTIVE Reviews Team will dive deeper into its features, highlight what we like and what we don't, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the fitness app.
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A Quick Look at the Apple Fitness Plus Review
SPECS
- Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV
- Features: 3,000 streaming workouts and meditations, Artist Spotlights, curated collections, metric tracking
Apple Fitness Plus was first launched in December 2020. At the time of its inception, it was exclusive to Apple Watch users—you couldn't use the service unless you had an Apple Watch to connect it to. After some customer feedback, Apple relaunched the program in October 2022, making it available to all iPhone users, even without an Apple Watch.
With this relaunch, Apple also introduced new features, like an Artist Spotlight series where entire workouts are synced to a playlist from one performer, like Taylor Swift. The company also added new workout collections, additional individual workouts, and more guest appearances from well-known trainers and celebrities. In this Apple Fitness Plus Review, we'll dig into the latest version of the app, discussing its features and highlighting its pros and cons.
What We Like
- Extensive workout library with more than 3,000 videos
- 11 workout types, from yoga to HIIT
- Audio and video meditations included
- Curated collections that help you reach a specific goal
- New content added every week
- Dedicated trainers
- Low monthly subscription; Apple bundle available
- Integrates with Apple Watch for metric tracking
- Supports AirPlay
What We Don't Like
- Can't use it without an Apple device
- No live workouts
- Can't filter workouts by exercise equipment
A Closer Look at Apple Fitness Plus
Platforms
The first iteration of Apple Fitness Plus was exclusive to Apple Watch users. However, the newest version works across Apple devices. You can access Apple Fitness Plus through the Fitness app on your iPhone or iPad, as well as through Apple TV and, of course, an Apple Watch.
You do need to make sure your model and software are compatible though. You'll need an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16.1, an Apple Watch Series 3 or later running watchOS 7.2, Apple TV with tvOS 14.3 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 14.3 or later.
Apple Fitness Plus also supports AirPlay. If you have an Apple TV, Macbook, or other enabled devices, you can connect the app wirelessly and stream the workouts to your TV or computer screen.
However, while you can access all of the features of the app through these platforms, there are still some benefits to connecting an Apple Watch. If you do, you'll be able to see real-time metrics for heart rate and calorie burn as you work out. Of course, you'll also be able to watch your rings close in real-time, and every Apple Watch user knows how satisfying that can be.
While we do wish Android users could opt into the service if they so chose, we're not surprised at the Apple exclusivity—it's pretty standard for the brand.
Features
Apple Fitness Plus has an extensive video library that includes more than 3,000 workouts and meditations. All of the programs are on-demand—there are no live workouts—and range from 5 to 45 minutes. To keep the library fresh, new content is added each week.
The exercises fall into 11 main categories: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, core, Pilates, strength training, treadmill walking, treadmill running, cycling, rowing, dance, and mindful cool-down. There are also video and audio meditations. When navigating through the app, you can tap into each category individually to access the workouts, or look at broader filters like the most popular workouts of the year, what's new, or quick workouts.
Once you've completed three workouts, the app will start suggesting recommended workouts for you based on what it thinks you like. The more you interact with the app and go through the workouts, the more accurate these recommendations will become.
In addition to individual workouts, Apple Fitness Plus also has curated collections. These have a series of workouts or meditations that help you work toward a common goal over a period of time. For example, there's a two-week collection that includes 14 different meditations that can help you wind down at night so you get better sleep. There's also an eight-episode series that has lower-body workouts tailored to building muscle tone in your legs. These collections aren't led by the same trainer, but rather compiled from the app's extensive library and put together for you.
Another callout feature is the Artist Spotlight. These are collections of exercises that feature music from one artist. Among them, there's a 30-minute strength-training series that's set to eight songs by Daft Punk and a 30-minute cycle session that lets you ride to 10 hits from Nicki Minaj. Other artists include Bruce Springsteen, Billie Eilish, The Beatles, Keith Urban, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift (among others). Apple will often add new artists during updates, as well.
Many of the workouts in the app don't require equipment, but there are some that utilize dumbbells, a yoga mat, an indoor bike, a rowing machine, or a treadmill. You may also benefit from having resistance bands, yoga blocks, and a meditation mat handy. Each workout description tells you what equipment you need, which is helpful, but we do wish there was a way to filter by equipment used. For example, if you don't have a bike, it would be helpful to remove all those workouts from your available library temporarily.
As with the Peloton app, Apple Fitness Plus has dedicated trainers. This allows you to create a connection with them over time and follow along with your favorites. While the workouts aren't live, the trainers do provide general feedback and walk you through the workouts, answering common questions or correcting potential posture concerns. There are also workouts done by guest trainers, which are specifically called out in their own categories.
Other Great Workout Apps to Consider
Our Verdict
If you're an iOS user, Apple Fitness Plus just makes sense. The streaming fitness app integrates seamlessly with your devices, and can accurately track metrics when you're wearing an Apple Watch. It also offers a wide range of workouts, as well as audio and video meditations—and new content is dropped weekly. While we do wish you could opt in without an iOS device, it's a win for Apple fans.
FAQs About Apple Fitness Plus
Is Apple Fitness Plus worth it?
If you're an iOS user (especially if you have an Apple Watch), Apple Fitness Plus is worth it. The fitness app has a large library of workouts in a huge range of styles, and it integrates seamlessly with your iPhone. It also supports AirPlay, so you can stream it onto a larger screen.
It's free for the first three months for new subscribers, then just $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually after that. This is less than other comparable apps, like Peloton, which costs $12.99 per month. You can also opt for an Apple One bundle, which includes six Apple services, including Fitness Plus, Apple TV, Apple Music, and Apple News for just under $17 a month.
What does Apple Fitness Plus include?
Apple Fitness Plus includes access to over 3,000 workouts and meditations led by trainers and instructors from all over the world. There are quick, 5-minute workouts and lengthier routines that can take 45 minutes. When you follow along with a workout, you'll get onscreen coaching and trainer guidance to help keep you motivated and on track.
What is the difference between Apple Fitness and Apple Fitness Plus?
Apple Fitness is a free app that comes installed on iOS devices, while Apple Fitness Plus is a premium fitness app that requires a separate subscription. The Fitness app can track activity levels via Apple's famous rings, as well as individual steps and distance. You can also use it to log individual workouts and keep track of calorie burn.
Apple Fitness Plus is a streaming fitness platform. It gives you access to on-demand workouts in 11 different categories, plus guided meditations. The Apple Fitness Plus app integrates with Apple Fitness, so you can follow along with workouts while tracking your metrics simultaneously.
About the Author
Lindsay is a functional nutritionist, writer, and editor. She has written 15 books and numerous articles on fitness, wellness, and nutrition. Her work appears on Forbes.com, CNET.com, Healthline.com, Garagegymreviews.com, CNN.com, mindbodygreen,com, and LIVESTRONG.com, among others.
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