iOS 16 Includes Fitness App As Standard, No Apple Watch Necessary - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iOS 16 Includes Fitness App As Standard, No Apple Watch Necessary

As part of its iOS 16 presentation at WWDC, Apple today revealed that iPhone users now have access to the Fitness app regardless of whether they have an Apple Watch or not.

fitness app
Previously, the Fitness app was only accessible on iPhones that are paired with an Apple Watch, but no more.

On an iPhone with iOS 16 installed, the Fitness app will use the iPhone's motion sensors to track things like steps, meaning all the activity that your iPhone tracks can be put toward closing your rings. You can set up a daily Move goal in the Fitness app and see how your active calories will help close your Move ring.

The iPhone's motion sensors can track steps, distance, flights climbed, and workouts from third-party apps, which can be converted into an estimation of active calories to contribute to your daily Move goal. You can also share your Move ring with friends for additional motivation.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

iphone 17 pro black feature

iPhone 18 Pro's Camera Upgrade Will Cost Apple 50% More

Friday May 29, 2026 3:44 am PDT by
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max's all-new variable aperture lens will cost Apple 50% more than the camera unit used in current models, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Variable aperture has been one of the most persistent iPhone camera rumors of the past few years. Kuo first flagged the feature in late 2024, and it has since been corroborated by multiple reports and...
HomePod mini and Apple TV Sage

New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are 'Nearly Ready' to Launch, New Siri Remote Also Rumored

Sunday May 31, 2026 8:47 am PDT by
New models of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are "nearly ready to go," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Both devices have been ready "for months," but Apple is holding off on launching them until the more personalized version of Siri is available, he said. "I am told the hardware for the next Apple TV...
iphone 18 pro color dummies

First Look at iPhone 18 Pro Color Options Revealed by Dummy Models

Friday May 29, 2026 4:50 am PDT by
Leaker Sonny Dickson today shared images of iPhone 18 Pro dummy models in the device's four rumored colors, offering the first real-world look at what to expect from the lineup visually. Corroborating previous rumors, the dummies show the iPhone 18 Pro Max in Light Blue, Black, Silver, and Dark Cherry. Dickson said "Cherry will probably be the next hit, orange did very well." Cosmic Orange...

Top Rated Comments

52 months ago
This is a good way to help people get into the fitness ecosystem before they get an Apple Watch.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
magicschoolbus Avatar
52 months ago
Great now let me see all of my data on my iPad…
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
52 months ago
This is cool. But why not add the Health app to iPadOS? Such a beautiful screen to track your health. Apple is an awesome company but can be highly illogical at times.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
52 months ago

While I'm sure the functionality is somewhat reduced (understandably), I was in search of a light fitness experience and I didn't want to get an apple watch just for that.
I'll probably take advantage of this, as limited as it might be.
Or you could catch the Apple Watch the poster above you just threw out of his window.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
52 months ago
I wish you could use a Garmin Watch for Apple Fitness +
I don't want all those notifications and distractions, short battery life of the  Watch, but I do like Apple Fitness +.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
52 months ago
Very welcome addition.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)