New Apple Watch Programs in 2026 Focus on Long-Term Fitness Motivation

Even in the present day, people tend to fail in their New Year's resolutions regarding fitness in the second week of January itself every year, but there's some hope for Apple Watch owners. Apple Watch and Apple Fitness+ are introducing some new features and programs from 2026, and they will play a very vital role in keeping people motivated and healthy.

In fact, a new data analysis from the Apple Heart and Movement Study has found that not only do wearers of the Apple Watch increase their activity levels during the month of January, but they stick to their new activity routines. What the study found is that from nearly 100,000 participants, data showed that over 60% of wearers had increased their activity levels by at least 10% from the previous month of December.

According to the study, approximately 80% of people appear to maintain the same level even after 'Quitter Day.' This study was conducted in collaboration between Brigham and Women's Hospital, the American Heart Association, and Apple, and more than 250,000 people in the United States participated.

To make the start of the new year even more special, the company is offering Apple Watch users the chance to win a limited-edition Ring in the New Year award if they close all three Activity Rings for seven consecutive days in January.

Not only that, but for the first time, Strava has also launched a "Quit Quitting" challenge for Apple Watch users. Users who log 12 workouts this month will also receive a special Apple Watch badge in the Strava app.