Sources: Apple is developing prototypes for a screenless health and fitness tracker similar to Whoop but hasn't decided whether to release the product (Mark Gurman/Bloomberg)

Apple is currently in the early stages of development for a screenless health and fitness tracker, according to a Bloomberg report. The company is said to be testing prototypes with a thin fabric band and a sensor-equipped computing module. However, it remains unclear if Apple will ultimately release the product, with estimates suggesting a potential release date of 2028 if production proceeds.

The project has backing from high-ranking Apple executives, including Eddy Cue and Tim Cook, who have been pushing the company to incorporate features from competitors like Whoop and Oura Ring. These competitors offer simpler, more fitness-focused wearables that appeal to users who prefer not to wear a smartwatch. While Apple is the dominant player in the smartwatch market, the Apple Watch offers a broader range of features beyond health and fitness tracking.

Apple is also set to release a major update to the Apple Watch in late 2027, following years of incremental improvements. The company's decision to invest in a screenless fitness tracker will depend on its strategic priorities and the market demand for such a product.