What is Apple Fitness vs Fitness+?

Apple Fitness is the app that shows your activity rings, workouts, and trends on iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple Fitness+ is the paid subscription with guided video workouts. You can use Fitness without Fitness+; the subscription just adds coached content.

Quick answer: Apple Fitness = rings + workout history. Fitness+ = paid guided workouts. You do not need Fitness+ to close rings or join competitions.

Quick decision:

• If you want guided video workouts → Fitness+
• If you just want rings + tracking → Fitness

Key takeaways:

• Apple Fitness: free app for rings and workout history
• Apple Fitness+: paid workouts and trainer programs
• Fitness+ is optional for ring progress

Practical tip: if you already have a workout routine, Fitness+ is not required to close rings or join competitions.

Comparison table

Feature	Apple Fitness	Apple Fitness+
Free vs paid	Free app	Paid subscription
Guided video workouts	No	Yes
Works without Apple Watch?	Limited	Limited
Where it works	iPhone, Apple Watch	iPhone, iPad, Apple TV (varies by device)
Included with Apple One?	N/A	May be included depending on plan/region; check Apple’s current offer
Trial available?	N/A	Often offered; check Apple’s current offer

What you get

Apple Fitness (free):

• Activity rings and daily progress
• Workout history and trends
• Sharing and competition tracking

Apple Fitness+ (paid):

• Guided video workouts
• Trainer tips and programs
• Structured sessions across workout types

How does it work?

The Fitness app is where you see rings, history, and trends. Fitness+ is an add‑on service that streams workouts; those sessions are then logged in the Fitness app. For ring basics, see activity rings explained.

Can you use rings on iPhone without Apple Watch?

Rings are driven by Apple Watch activity data; without a watch you will not have ring progress to close.

What you can still do on iPhone:

• View Fitness+ content if you have a subscription.
• See past trends if historical data exists.
• Manage goals and sharing settings.

Common confusion

• Fitness app vs Fitness+ subscription (not the same thing).
• Fitness+ does not auto‑improve scores.
• You do not need Fitness+ for competitions.

FAQ

Is Apple Fitness free?

The Fitness app is free. Fitness+ is the paid subscription for guided workouts.

Is Apple Fitness+ worth it?

It depends on whether you want guided video workouts and structured programs.

Is Fitness+ included with Apple One?

It may be included depending on your plan and region. Check Apple’s current offer.

Can I use Fitness+ without an Apple Watch?

Some workouts can be viewed without a watch, but ring tracking and full metrics require Apple Watch data.

Do I need Fitness+ to use Apple Fitness?

No. Apple Fitness is free and works with Apple Watch ring tracking.

Does Fitness+ help with competition points?

Only indirectly. Any workout that closes rings helps points, whether or not it came from Fitness+.

Why this matters

Knowing the difference helps people choose the right tools without overpaying. When you pick the right level of support, it is easier to stick with a routine and stay motivated. Clear choices also reduce the chance of quitting early, which matters more when people are keeping pace with friends.

Related guides

• Apple Watch competition overview
• How Apple Watch points are counted
• Activity rings explained for iPhone users
• How to add a workout to Apple Fitness
• Rules behind Apple Watch competitions

Not affiliated with Apple.