Apple wants to turn its future smart glasses into fitness devices

Apple is exploring ways to turn its future smart glasses and headsets into health and fitness devices, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

The company had similar ambitions for the original Vision Pro. Apple considered bringing Apple Fitness+ directly to the headset, allowing users to wear the device during workouts while its body-tracking system analyzed their movements. The feature never launched because of technical limitations and the headset's weight.

As Apple moves toward lighter smart glasses, the company is revisiting the idea for a new category of devices. It has taken a similar approach with AirPods, gradually expanding the earbuds beyond audio with hearing health features. Smart glasses equipped with an array of sensors could potentially track a user's movement and support fitness-related features. Gurman does not expect these capabilities to arrive with Apple's first-generation glasses, which are expected next year, but believes they are likely to become part of the product over time.

One indication of Apple's plans comes from a new job listing for a "strategic product design leader" within the Vision Products Group, the division responsible for its glasses and future headsets. According to the listing, the successful candidate will help define the direction of health, wellness and fitness experiences across Apple's vision product lineup. Apple is specifically looking for experience designing and testing digital health or fitness products, as well as familiarity with sensor-based technologies.

If Apple follows through with these plans, its glasses could eventually join Apple Watch and AirPods as part of the company's growing health and fitness ecosystem. Health features remain relatively uncommon in today's smart glasses. Meta's Oakley-branded glasses, for example, are marketed toward cyclists and athletes, although their fitness capabilities remain limited.