Apple has quietly rolled out a major update in iOS 26, and this time it’s great news for fitness enthusiasts. The Fitness app, which was previously tied to the Apple Watch, can now be used directly on iPhones — no smartwatch required.
This update marks a huge shift in Apple’s health and wellness strategy, making fitness tracking more accessible to millions of iPhone users who don’t own an Apple Watch.
What’s New in iOS 26 Fitness App?
Until now, the Fitness app was designed to fully function only when paired with an Apple Watch. Without the watch, iPhone users could only see limited data like steps and movement from their phone’s motion sensors.
With the iOS 26 update, the app is getting a standalone mode, allowing users to:
- Track daily activity using just the iPhone sensors.
- View detailed Move, Exercise, and Stand rings without needing an Apple Watch.
- Sync workout data from third-party fitness apps directly into Apple Fitness.
- Access personalized activity trends and goals.
Why This Matters
Apple’s decision to remove the Apple Watch requirement is a strategic move. It expands the Fitness app to a much larger audience and puts Apple in direct competition with other health-tracking apps like Google Fit and Samsung Health.
For users, this means:
- No extra device needed – the iPhone alone is enough.
- Easier entry into Apple’s fitness ecosystem.
- More accurate and engaging data for people who don’t want to invest in an Apple Watch.
Deeper Integration with iOS 26
The new Fitness app isn’t just standalone — it works more closely with iOS 26’s other health-focused upgrades:
- The Health app now provides better insights into sleep, nutrition, and heart health.
- Integration with Apple Music and Podcasts makes workout sessions more motivating.
- Users can also connect with third-party gym apps and smart fitness equipment.
What Users Are Saying
Early iOS 26 testers report that the standalone Fitness app works smoothly and encourages more users to stay active. Many iPhone-only users are excited to finally close their rings without buying an Apple Watch.
One iPhone user shared:
“I’ve always wanted to use the Fitness app fully, but I didn’t want to buy a watch. With iOS 26, I can finally track workouts directly on my iPhone.”
The update where “iOS 26 Fitness app now works without Apple Watch” could be one of the most user-friendly changes Apple has made in years. It lowers the barrier to entry for health tracking and could push millions of new users into Apple’s growing wellness ecosystem.
If you haven’t updated to iOS 26 yet, this is the perfect reason to do so.