Apple Watch Fitness+ Review: 7 Things Nobody Tells You

Apple Fitness+ (marketed in the UK as Apple Fitness+, and previously as Apple Watch Fitness+) streams guided workouts to your Apple devices and can show live metrics from an Apple Watch. This article covers the features, UK pricing and who it suits, based on Apple’s published information. We have not tested the service ourselves.

Last updated: October 2026  |  Based on Apple’s published information and UK pricing; not hands-on tested

What Is Apple Watch Fitness+?

Apple Watch Fitness+ (now Apple Fitness+) is Apple’s subscription fitness streaming service. It delivers guided video workouts, ranging from HIIT and strength training to yoga, pilates, dance and mindfulness, to your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.

Its main differentiator is the Apple integration. Apple says real-time metrics from an Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 3 or any Bluetooth heart rate monitor can appear on screen during a workout, and workouts are recorded in the Fitness app. You do not need an Apple Watch to use Fitness+, according to Apple.

The service is made by Apple and led by Apple’s own trainers. It is also included in the Apple One Premier bundle. If you’re comparing fitness streaming services, you’ll also want to read our Les Mills On Demand review for a direct alternative.

Key Features

Real-Time Apple Watch Metrics On Screen

This is the headline feature. Apple says that during a workout your metrics, such as heart rate and Activity rings, can appear on screen when you use an Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 3 or a Bluetooth heart rate monitor. Apple also describes a Burn Bar that compares your effort with others who have done the same workout.

Workout Variety and Library Size

Apple’s library covers workout types such as HIIT, strength, yoga, pilates, cycling, treadmill running, rowing, dance, core and cooldown sessions, with a range of durations. Check Apple’s page for the current library size and how often new workouts are added.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Fitness+ includes guided meditation sessions alongside its workouts. Check Apple’s page for the current session formats and lengths.

Time to Walk and Time to Run Audio Experiences

Apple has described these audio-only experiences as designed for walking and running outdoors. Availability can vary by region, so check Apple’s page before subscribing.

Apple Fitness+ at a Glance

Pros and Cons

• ✅ Live metrics on screen – Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 3 or a Bluetooth heart rate monitor can show metrics during workouts
• ✅ Broad library – many workout types with a range of durations
• ✅ Family Sharing – Apple lets a Fitness+ subscription be shared with your Apple Family group
• ✅ Apple ecosystem – works across iPhone, iPad and Apple TV 4K
• ✅ Apple Health and Fitness integration – sessions are recorded in the Fitness app
• ✅ Audio experiences – Time to Walk and similar audio sessions for outdoor use (check regional availability)
• ✅ Apple-produced content – workouts are led by Apple’s own trainers

• ❌ Apple devices only – Fitness+ runs on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV 4K, which is a hard barrier for Android users
• ❌ On-demand – Fitness+ is a video library rather than live classes, unlike Peloton’s live schedule
• ❌ Not a performance analytics platform – serious athletes may want deeper training data from platforms like Garmin Connect
• ❌ No Android support – it is tied to the Apple ecosystem

Pricing

Apple lists the standalone Fitness+ subscription at £9.99 per month on its UK site (October 2026), and it also offers an annual plan. Fitness+ can be shared with your Apple Family group.

Fitness+ is included in the Apple One Premier plan (£36.95 per month), not in the Individual (£18.95) or Family (£24.95) plans, according to Apple’s UK Apple One page.

Apple offers new subscribers one month free, and three months free with the purchase of an eligible new Apple device. Check the terms on Apple’s page.

For the most accurate and up-to-date UK pricing, always verify directly at apple.com/fitness-plus.

Check Current Price at Apple →

Who Is Apple Watch Fitness+ Best For?

Perfect For:

• Apple device owners, especially Apple Watch owners, who want structured, coach-led sessions at home
• Beginners to home fitness who want clear instruction and varied workout types; Apple says trainers show modifications
• Households in an Apple Family group who want to share one subscription
• Wellness-focused users who want guided workouts and meditation in one place
• iPhone and Apple TV households who want a large-screen workout experience through Apple TV 4K

Not Ideal For:

• Android users – Fitness+ needs an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV 4K
• Serious strength training athletes who need progressive overload tracking, one-rep max logging or periodisation tools – check whether Fitness+ meets these needs
• Users who crave live, community-driven classes – if the energy of a real-time leaderboard or live instructor motivates you, Peloton will suit you better
• Endurance athletes and performance runners who need advanced metrics such as training load, lactate threshold, or detailed GPS analysis – consider pairing with Garmin Connect instead

Our Verdict

On the published feature set, Apple Fitness+ is a broad on-demand workout service for people already in the Apple ecosystem, with live metrics available from an Apple Watch and a simple UK price of £9.99 per month. It won’t satisfy data-hungry performance athletes, and the Apple-device requirement rules out Android users. We have not tested it ourselves, and the scores below are an editorial assessment of the published offering, not test results.

View Apple Fitness+ at Apple →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need an Apple Watch to use Apple Watch Fitness+?

No. Apple says you do not need an Apple Watch to use Fitness+. You can stream workouts on an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV 4K. An Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 3 or a Bluetooth heart rate monitor is only needed if you want live metrics on screen.

How much does Apple Watch Fitness+ cost in the UK?

Apple lists the standalone subscription at £9.99 per month and can be shared with your Apple Family group. It is included in the Apple One Premier plan (£36.95 per month), not Individual or Family. Check apple.com/fitness-plus for the latest UK pricing, as Apple occasionally adjusts subscription rates.

Can you download Apple Watch Fitness+ workouts for offline use?

We have not verified Apple’s current offline download options. Check the Fitness+ questions and answers on Apple’s UK page before relying on offline use.

Is Apple Watch Fitness+ good for beginners?

Apple presents Fitness+ for all levels, with workouts across a range of durations and types, from gentle yoga to cardio. If you are new to exercise or have a health condition, check with your GP first.

How does Apple Watch Fitness+ compare to Peloton?

The key differences are format and ecosystem. Fitness+ is on-demand and runs on Apple devices, while Peloton’s app offers live classes and runs on a wider range of devices. Compare current UK prices on both companies’ sites.