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Apple Watch Rethink Could See Debut of Round Model, Screenless Fitness Tracker, and More

9 August 2026 at 16:37
Apple is re-evaluating the Apple Watch lineup and considering a host of radical new designs, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


In today's edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman compared plans for the Apple Watch's evolution to the "revolutionary design change" that the foldable iPhone represents. It will be "something that transforms the product for a new era." Apple's industrial design team has reportedly been "exploring a broader rethink of its smartwatches" for some time, with several directions under evaluation.

The company is apparently taking the resurgence of fitness bands without screens and smart rings seriously. As a result, the company is considering new Apple Watch-style devices with no display, as well as new Apple Watches with different types of screen and various new sizes.

Apple has also contemplated giving the Apple Watch a round display, but Gurman cautioned that such a device is unlikely to be released. The company has also considered introducing new premium variants designed to sit above the Ultra and Hermès models, alongside even more affordable options in addition to the Apple Watch SE.

The company has not yet settled on a direction for the product line, but it is said to be "determined to reinvent the lineup in response to growing competition." It also plans to make its wearables more AI-focused, with ambitious long-term plans to revamp the Health app.

Gurman believes that the Apple Watch revamp "could be as significant as the iPhone's transformation from a slab design into a foldable device." Apple purportedly hopes to reinvigorate its Wearables, Home and Accessories segment, which has struggled to generate growth over recent years.
Related Forum: Apple Watch

This article, "Apple Watch Rethink Could See Debut of Round Model, Screenless Fitness Tracker, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Sie haben noch keine Apple Watch? Die aktuelle Series 11 fällt auf neuen Tiefstpreis bei Amazon

8 August 2026 at 07:22

-23 %

Bestseller Apple Watch 11 mit 46 Millimetern zum Tiefstpreis

Nur 369 Euro statt 479 Euro UVP

Smartwatches können Trainingseinheiten, Schlaf und wichtige Gesundheitswerte erfassen. Im Zusammenspiel mit einem iPhone können Sie außerdem Nachrichten, Anrufe, Musik und Mitteilungen direkt am Handgelenk verwalten.

Die Apple Watch Series 11 mit GPS und 46-Millimeter-Aluminiumgehäuse kostet bei Amazon aktuell nur 369 Euro. Gegenüber der UVP von 479 Euro sparen Sie 110 Euro beziehungsweise 23 Prozent. Dabei handelt es sich um einen neuen Tiefstpreis.

Die letzten Tage war die smarte Uhr bereits auf 379 Euro reduziert, was auch schon attraktiv war und als bislang günstigster Preis galt. Sonst kostet die Smartwatch in der Regel zwischen 430 und 450 Euro. Die Watch wurde im vergangenen Monat mehr als 500 Mal gekauft und erreicht bei über 1.870 Bewertungen durchschnittlich 4,7 von 5 Sternen. Die Series 11 ist zudem Bestseller Nummer 1 bei Amazon (in der 42-Millimeter-Variante).

Was die Apple Watch Series 11 zu bieten hat

Die smarte Uhr besitzt ein 46 Millimeter großes, 9,7 Millimeter dünnes Aluminiumgehäuse und wiegt als GPS-Version 37,8 Gramm. Das Always-On-Retina-Display erreicht bis zu 2.000 Nits und kann in dunkler Umgebung auf 1 Nit herunterregeln. Das Ion-X-Frontglas soll doppelt so kratzfest sein wie bei der Series 10.

Im Inneren arbeitet der S10-Chip mit 64 GB Speicher. Zur Bedienung stehen die Digital Crown, eine Seitentaste sowie Doppeltipp- und Drehgesten bereit. Hinzu kommen Mikrofon, Lautsprecher, Siri, Apple Pay, Bluetooth 5.3 sowie WLAN im 2,4- und 5-GHz-Bereich.

Ein Schwerpunkt liegt auf den Gesundheitsfunktionen. Die Series 11 bietet unter anderem EKG, Blutsauerstoffmessung, Herzfrequenz- und Zyklus-Tracking sowie Hinweise auf Schlafapnoe, unregelmäßigen Herzrhythmus und möglichen Bluthochdruck. Der Schlafindex fasst die Schlafqualität zusammen, während die Vitalzeichen-App wichtige nachts erfasste Daten übersichtlich darstellt.

Für Sport und Fitness stehen zahlreiche Trainingsarten, Herzfrequenz-Zonen, Trainingsbelastung und eine Pacer-Funktion zur Verfügung. GPS, Kompass, Höhenmesser, Tiefenmesser und Wassertemperatursensor ergänzen die Ausstattung. Käufer erhalten außerdem drei Monate Apple Fitness+ kostenlos.

Die Akkulaufzeit beträgt laut Apple bis zu 24 Stunden bei normaler Nutzung und bis zu 38 Stunden im Stromsparmodus. Nach etwa 45 Minuten soll der Akku zu 80 Prozent geladen sein. 15 Minuten Ladezeit reichen für bis zu 8 Stunden Nutzung, 5 Minuten für bis zu 8 Stunden Schlaftracking.

Die Smartwatch ist bis 50 Meter wassergeschützt und nach IP6X staubgeschützt. Zu den Sicherheitsfunktionen gehören Notruf SOS, internationale Notrufe, Sturz- und Unfallerkennung sowie die Wegbegleitung. Bei einem erkannten schweren Unfall kann die Uhr automatisch Hilfe rufen und Notfallkontakte informieren.

Da es sich um die GPS-Version handelt, benötigt die Apple Watch unterwegs ein gekoppeltes iPhone. Die in den allgemeinen technischen Daten genannten 5G- und LTE-Funktionen gelten nur für die separat erhältliche Cellular-Version.

Warum sich das Angebot lohnt

Nutzer loben in den Rezensionen vor allem die Verarbeitung, das schlanke Design, das Display und die Funktionalität. Auch das Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis und die Messfunktionen werden häufig positiv bewertet. Gemischte Meinungen gibt es allerdings zur Akkulaufzeit und zur Genauigkeit einzelner Messwerte.

In unserem Test überzeugen uns tatsächlich die längere Akkulaufzeit, die Bluthochdruckschätzung, das kratzfestere Display und die neuen Gesten. Gleichzeitig sind die Unterschiede zur Series 9 und Series 10 gering, da viele Funktionen auch dort per Software-Update verfügbar sind.

Für Besitzer einer Series 10 lohnt sich der Wechsel daher kaum. Interessanter ist die Series 11 für Neueinsteiger und Nutzer einer Series 8 oder eines noch älteren Modells. Zum aktuellen Tiefstpreis von 369 Euro ist sie innerhalb des Apple-Watch-Angebots eine gute Wahl.

Apple Restocks Refurbished Store With Rare M5 Macs and Studio Displays

8 August 2026 at 03:55

The official Certified Refurbished Store from Apple just received a massive wave of fresh inventory. If you want to save money on recent hardware, this is your best chance. The company restocked rare M5 MacBook Pro models, high end Studio Display XDR monitors, and a few other hidden gems. These restocks happen quietly and sell […]

The post Apple Restocks Refurbished Store With Rare M5 Macs and Studio Displays appeared first on The Mac Observer.

How to Sync Apple Health Data With Google Health on Your iPhone

By: Hannah
7 August 2026 at 13:34

Apple Health data can now move between the Health app and Google Health on an iPhone. The connection lets Google Health import supported information recorded by an iPhone, Apple Watch, and compatible apps. The latest Google Health update can also send supported Fitbit information to Apple Health.

This two-way connection is useful for people who wear a Fitbit but prefer Apple’s Health app as the central place for viewing activity, sleep, steps, and other wellness information. It also reduces the need for third-party synchronization apps.

The feature requires a recent version of Google Health. Google began introducing support for sending data back to Apple Health with Google Health version 5.05. Because app updates can roll out gradually, the new sharing options may not appear until the latest version reaches your account.

Update Google Health Before Starting

The Fitbit app became Google Health in 2026. Existing Fitbit users should find that the installed app has changed its name and design after updating. Fitbit accounts must also be moved to an adult Google Account to use the redesigned service.

Google says the Apple Health connection requires iOS 16.4 or later. The iPhone must have internet access while the connection is being created.

To check the iOS version installed on your iPhone:

Settings > General > About > iOS Version

Install the latest compatible iOS update if the phone is running an older release.

To look for an available iPhone software update:

Settings > General > Software Update

Next, confirm that Google Health is current. Version 5.05 or later is required for the newer option that sends supported Google Health and Fitbit information to Apple Health.

To update Google Health from the App Store:

App Store > Profile Picture > Available Updates > Google Health > Update

If Google Health does not appear under Available Updates, search for the app manually. The App Store page may show an Update button if a newer release is available.

To find the app directly:

App Store > Search > Enter Google Health > Google Health (Fitbit)

People who previously used Fitbit should sign in with the Google Account connected to their Fitbit information. Creating a different account may produce an empty Google Health profile.

Two smartphones display Google Health apps; one shows detailed sleep tracking data, and the other presents a health chatbot answering a user’s query about sleep and symptoms. Both screens are clear and on a white background, highlighting how users can manage their health data seamlessly—much like with Apple Health data.
Image Credit: Google

Connect Apple Health Data to Google Health

Connecting the apps allows Google Health to read supported information from Apple Health. This can include data collected by the iPhone, Apple Watch, and other apps that already share information with Apple Health.

To start the Apple Health connection:

Google Health > Connections > Apps and Services > Apple Health > Get Started

Depending on the Google Health version and interface shown on the iPhone, Connections may appear behind the profile icon.

To find Apple Health through the alternative menu:

Google Health > Profile Icon > Partner Apps > Apple Health

Google Health will display a consent screen explaining the connection. Read the information before continuing.

To approve the initial connection:

Sync Google Health With Apple Health > Agree

The iPhone will then display Apple’s health permission screen. This screen lets you decide which information Google Health can read.

To give Google Health access to every supported category:

Apple Health Permission Screen > Turn All Categories On > Allow

You do not have to share every available category. Selecting individual permissions provides more control over sensitive health information.

To share only selected categories:

Apple Health Permission Screen > Select Each Health Category > Allow

Google Health can import supported information such as steps, distance, active energy, exercise records, routes, sleep sessions, sleep stages, heart rate, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen, respiratory rate, body temperature, weight, body fat percentage, water, nutrition information, and some cycle-tracking data.

Available categories depend on the devices and apps connected to Apple Health. An iPhone may provide steps and walking information, while an Apple Watch can contribute heart rate, workouts, sleep, and other measurements supported by the model.

After the permissions are approved, Google Health should confirm that the connection is complete.

To finish the connection:

Google Health Confirmation Screen > Done

New Apple Health information should begin appearing automatically in Google Health. Google has said that imported data can be used across relevant Google Health metrics, although not every external data type is used for every calculation.

To find imported health information:

Google Health > Health > Select a Metric

Google Health may display information from several connected sources together. Its value for a metric can differ slightly from the number shown by Apple Health because the apps may process available data differently.

Send Fitbit Data to Apple Health

Google Health version 5.05 adds the reverse direction that many iPhone and Fitbit users previously lacked. Supported information recorded through Fitbit can now be written into Apple Health.

Before enabling this option, make sure the Fitbit is properly connected to Google Health. Fitbit devices normally synchronize automatically throughout the day when Bluetooth is available and the wearable is near the iPhone.

To check the connected Fitbit:

Google Health > Profile Icon > Devices > Select Your Fitbit

The device page should show the wearable, its battery level, and its most recent synchronization time. Opening Google Health can also prompt a nearby Fitbit to transfer recently collected information.

Once the wearable is updating Google Health correctly, open the Apple Health connection settings.

To open the sharing controls for Apple Health:

Google Health > Profile Icon > Partner Apps > Apple Health

The interface may use Apps and Services instead of Partner Apps on some versions.

To reach the same connection through Apps and Services:

Google Health > Connections > Apps and Services > Apple Health

Follow the prompts for sharing Google Health information with Apple Health. The iPhone may display separate permissions for data that Google Health can read and data that it can write.

To allow supported Fitbit information to appear in Apple Health:

Apple Health Permission Screen > Allow Google Health to Write > Select Health Categories > Allow

Google says supported information can include exercise records, steps, sleep, vitals, and other health data. The exact selection can vary according to the Fitbit model, region, Google Health version, and information stored in the account.

Selecting every category is convenient, but it can create overlapping sources when an iPhone, Apple Watch, and Fitbit record the same type of activity. Choose only the categories you want Google Health to add.

A person who uses a Fitbit mainly for sleep, for example, can allow sleep information while leaving steps disabled. Someone who wears a Fitbit instead of an Apple Watch may prefer to enable steps, workouts, heart rate, sleep, and other supported categories.

A white app icon with a multicolored heart shape in blue, green, yellow, and red is centered on a blurred blue, green, red, and yellow background. An “Apple” label appears in the bottom right corner, highlighting its connection to Apple Health and easy Fitbit sync capabilities.
Image Credit: AppleMagazine

Check Google Health Permissions

Apple Health keeps permission controls on the iPhone. You can change them after the first connection without deleting either app.

To review Google Health access from Apple Health:

Health > Profile Picture > Privacy > Apps > Google Health

The page shows the categories Google Health is permitted to read or update. Turn off any category you no longer want to share.

Some iOS versions provide the same controls through the Sharing tab.

To find Google Health through the Sharing tab:

Health > Sharing > Apps and Services > Google Health

Turning off a permission stops future sharing for that category. It does not necessarily remove information that has already been written to Google Health or Apple Health.

The Google Health app also provides controls for the connection.

To review Apple Health inside Google Health:

Google Health > Connections > Apps and Services > Connected > Apple Health

If Google Health displays a message that new data types are available, open the connection and approve the additional categories you want to use. Newly supported information is not automatically shared without permission.

Manage Duplicate Health Information

An iPhone, Apple Watch, and Fitbit can record similar information at the same time. Apple Health keeps each source attached to its data and uses a priority order when presenting combined measurements.

You can inspect the sources contributing to a category and choose which one Apple Health should prefer.

To review the sources used for step information:

Health > Search > Activity > Steps > Data Sources and Access

The screen shows the apps and devices that provide step records. If Google Health, an Apple Watch, and the iPhone all appear, you can adjust their priority.

To change the order of step sources:

Health > Search > Activity > Steps > Data Sources and Access > Edit > Drag Sources Into the Preferred Order > Done

Move the source you trust most toward the top. Apple Health generally gives higher priority to sources placed above others when similar records overlap.

Repeat the same process for other categories if their totals do not look right. Exercise, sleep, active energy, and distance can each have their own sources and permissions.

A woman wearing a fitness tracker stretches her arm and touches her shoulder in a bright, spacious room, effortlessly syncing her activity to Google Health to monitor her health data.
Image Credit: Google

Fix Missing or Delayed Data

Synchronization is not always immediate. A Fitbit first sends its information to Google Health, and Google Health then writes supported records to Apple Health. Bluetooth availability, Background App Refresh, internet access, and battery-saving behavior can affect this process.

Begin by opening Google Health with the Fitbit close to the iPhone. Wait for the device to complete its normal synchronization before checking Apple Health.

If Apple Health information is missing from Google Health, confirm that the connection remains active.

To check the connection status:

Google Health > Connections > Apps and Services > Apple Health

If Google Health displays an error or a request for new permissions, follow the message shown on the screen.

Background App Refresh can help Google Health update when the app is not open.

To allow Google Health to refresh in the background:

Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Google Health > On

Bluetooth must remain available for a Fitbit to communicate with the iPhone.

To confirm that Bluetooth is enabled:

Settings > Bluetooth > Bluetooth On

If the connection continues to fail, disconnecting and reconnecting Apple Health may restore the permission request.

To disconnect Apple Health from Google Health:

Google Health > Connections > Apps and Services > Apple Health > Disconnect > Confirm Disconnect

Disconnecting the service does not automatically remove every permission already stored by Apple Health. Review the Google Health entry in the Health app if you want to remove those permissions as well.

To remove the remaining Apple Health permissions:

Health > Profile Picture > Privacy > Apps > Google Health > Turn Off All

After reconnecting the apps, allow time for new records to appear. Previously stored information may not transfer in exactly the same way as activity recorded after the connection was enabled.

You can inspect an individual entry to confirm whether it came from Google Health, a Fitbit, an Apple Watch, or the iPhone.

To check the source and time of a synced record:

Health > Search > Select a Health Category > Show All Data > Select the Latest Entry

The post How to Sync Apple Health Data With Google Health on Your iPhone appeared first on AppleMagazine.

Apple turns devices into subscriptions: New ‘Apple Upgrade’ leasing program marks shift to hardware-as-a-service

3 August 2026 at 14:00
Apple Upgrade — a new hardware leasing program — is available on the Apple Store online, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations in the United States.
Apple Upgrade — a new hardware leasing program — is available on the Apple Store online, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations in the United States.

Apple has launched a major new program that lets customers lease its hardware on monthly payments instead of buying outright, positioning the company more firmly as a subscription-driven business.

On July 28th, Apple introduced Apple Upgrade in the United States, a Klarna-backed leasing service available online and in Apple Stores. It replaces the older iPhone Upgrade Program and extends subscription-style access across most iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs.

How it works

Customers choose lease terms of 12 or 24 months for phones and watches, or 24 or 36 months for tablets and computers. Starting prices are roughly:

• iPhone: from about $17.99–$18 per month

• Apple Watch and iPad: from about $11.99–$12 per month

• Mac: from about $24.99–$25 per month

Exact amounts vary by model, configuration, and term length. Higher-end devices cost more (for example, certain MacBook Pros start in the high $30s to $50s range). A soft credit check is required. Trade-ins can lower monthly payments, and Apple Card users may earn Daily Cash on payments.

At the end of the term, users can upgrade to a newer device, pay a one-time fee to keep the current one, or return it. Early upgrades, early payoffs, or terminations can incur extra fees. AppleCare is not included and must be purchased separately. Some lower-cost models (such as the Apple Watch SE, entry-level iPad, certain older iPhones, and the MacBook Neo) and business/education purchases are excluded.

Why it matters

The program arrives as Apple’s services business continues to grow strongly and as hardware prices have risen amid industry-wide memory and storage shortages driven by AI demand, Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman notes in his most-recent newsletter. By partnering with Klarna, Apple offers lower monthly outlays and easier access to the latest devices without taking on the full financing risk itself.

This move answers a long-standing question about Apple’s next growth phase. Combined with its existing software and media subscriptions (now totaling well over a billion paid subscriptions across Apple services and App Store apps), Apple Upgrade pushes the company closer to a full hardware-plus-services subscription model. Customers stay in the ecosystem longer, upgrade more frequently, and generate recurring revenue rather than one-time hardware sales.

In short, Apple is no longer just selling products, it’s increasingly selling ongoing access to them. The new leasing program is the clearest signal yet of that strategic shift.

MacDailyNews Take: Apple just made the smartest move in years. By turning hardware into a true subscription via Apple Upgrade + Klarna, Cupertino locks customers into the ecosystem, smooths out lumpy iPhone cycles, and rakes in predictable revenue while competitors still chase one-time sales. Yet, if you still want to buy outright, you can! Welcome to the optional Apple-as-a-Service era.


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The post Apple turns devices into subscriptions: New ‘Apple Upgrade’ leasing program marks shift to hardware-as-a-service appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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