Apple’s Fitness+ service expands its reach to Garmin, Polar, and other third-party wearables through the iPhone’s Health app.
**Integrating Fitness+ with Third-Party Wearables**
Starting with iOS 16.1, iPhone users will have the option to connect their compatible Garmin, Polar, or other third-party wearables to the Health app. This integration will allow them to track and view their Fitness+ workout data right on their preferred wearable device.
**Broadening the Fitness+ Experience**
The move to integrate with third-party wearables is a significant step for Apple Fitness+, which has previously been limited to Apple Watch users. This expansion opens up the service to a wider audience, giving users more flexibility and choice in their fitness tracking devices.
**Supported Wearables and Metrics**
Garmin and Polar are the first third-party wearable brands to support Fitness+ integration. The following metrics will be available for tracking on compatible devices:
– Heart rate
– Calories burned
– Duration
Other wearable brands are expected to join the Fitness+ ecosystem in the future, further expanding the range of supported devices.
**Easy Setup and Use**
Setting up Fitness+ integration with supported wearables is simple and straightforward. By following the instructions in the Health app, users can pair their wearable device and start tracking their Fitness+ workouts.
**Benefits of Integration**
The integration between Fitness+ and third-party wearables offers several benefits:
– **Enhanced Tracking:** Users can now track their Fitness+ workouts on the wearable device of their choice, providing a more comprehensive view of their activity data.
– **Seamless Experience:** The integration with the Health app ensures a seamless experience, allowing users to easily view their Fitness+ workout history and metrics alongside other health and fitness data.
– **Greater Flexibility:** The ability to use third-party wearables with Fitness+ gives users more flexibility in choosing the fitness tracking devices that best suit their needs and preferences.
**Conclusion**
Apple’s decision to expand Fitness+ compatibility to third-party wearables is a welcome move that enhances the service’s accessibility and broadens its appeal. By integrating with popular wearable brands like Garmin and Polar, Fitness+ becomes more inclusive and provides users with greater choice and flexibility in their fitness tracking endeavors. As more wearable brands join the Fitness+ ecosystem in the future, the service is poised to become an even more comprehensive and valuable tool for health and fitness enthusiasts..
