Apple adds group exercise option to Fitness+ platform

In a development that will challenge the gym market, global technology giant Apple has revealed a number of upgrades to its Fitness+ platform, coinciding with the launch of its new Apple Watch Series 7 and iPhone 13 products.

Among additions including guided meditation and Pilates is a new Group Workouts feature, powered by SharePlay, which will enable subscribers to exercise alongside their friends via a FaceTime call or a group message thread.

With support for up to 32 people at a time, users will be able to navigate to the Fitness app, select a workout (or meditation) see their friends and family onscreen, and get started.

During a Group Workout, users will see their metrics and progress toward closing their activity rings, while also seeing and hearing friends as they exercise

Costing US$9.99 a month, the service is set to be introduced as of 27th September in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA, Apple will expand the app's reach geographically with it becoming available in 15 other countries before the end of the year - Austria, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.

Introducing the innovations, Jay Blahnik, Apple’s Senior Director of Fitness Technologies, advised “we're excited to be introducing new workouts that bring Fitness+ users more options to stay active and motivated, plus immersive guided Meditation experiences that are approachable for all and easy to fit into your day.

"With new ways to work out together or alone - and coming to more countries later this year — we can’t wait to welcome even more people to experience Fitness+.”

While accessible from most Apple devices and hardware, Fitness+ is built entirely around Apple Watch.

The additions to Fitness+ was coupled with the launch of ​Apple Watch Series 7, featuring a re-engineered Always-On Retina display with significantly more screen area and thinner borders, making it the largest and most advanced display ever.

Series 7 is being marketed as the most durable Apple Watch ever, with a stronger, more crack-resistant front crystal.

Images: Users will be able to see friends in their chat, start a Group Workout from a group message thread or FaceTime call and see their workout stats (top) and Apple Fitness+ introduces Workouts to Get Ready for Snow Season, featuring and designed with two-time Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion Ted Ligety, and Fitness+ trainer Anja Garcia (below). Credit: Apple.