The recent release of the iOS 26 public beta has caused significant disruptions for users of the Fitness app on iPhones. Many users have reported inaccurate activity tracking, leading to frustration and decreased motivation to maintain their fitness goals. This issue raises concerns about the reliability of health and fitness data provided by technology.
With the Fitness app, users can monitor their activity levels, set personal move goals, and track calories burned. The app became particularly appealing after Apple made it independent of the Apple Watch, allowing iPhone users to log their fitness activities directly. For many, including casual users and fitness enthusiasts, this change has facilitated a more active lifestyle.
However, this positive experience took a downturn for some following the installation of the iOS 26 public beta. One user, for instance, attempted to boost their daily activity by walking home from a cookout approximately 1.3 miles away. Under normal circumstances, this walk would burn around 160 calories. After the update, the app recorded only half of that figure, raising concerns about the accuracy of the tracking.
Tracking Discrepancies Raise Concerns
The discrepancies did not appear to be isolated incidents. Many users reported similar issues, with the app underreporting calories burned during various activities, from casual walks to more intense hikes. As a result, motivation waned as users noticed their stats trending downward. The gamification aspects of the app, which often spurred users to be more active, became counterproductive when the figures did not reflect their efforts.
To investigate further, the user conducted an experiment involving a 1.2-mile walk to an appointment. They carried two iPhones: an iPhone 12 running the iOS 26 beta and an iPhone 14 operating on iOS 18. The results were striking. The iPhone 12 recorded only 88 calories burned after logging 1.12 miles, while the iPhone 14, despite tracking fewer steps, indicated approximately 2.5 times more calories burned over a longer distance. This comparison confirmed the suspicion that the Fitness app on the iOS 26 beta was significantly undercounting activity.
Following this experiment, the user upgraded their iPhone 12 to the second public beta of iOS 26, which resulted in a swift return to normal tracking performance. This suggests that subsequent updates may have addressed the earlier issues, although users remain cautious.
The Bigger Picture: Trust in Health Technology
This incident highlights a broader issue regarding the trust users place in technology that tracks their health. As more individuals rely on devices for actionable health data, any disruption due to software updates, even beta versions, can have serious implications. For many, fitness data is not just numbers; it plays a crucial role in motivation and overall well-being.
The Fitness app’s functionality is particularly vital as it fosters an active lifestyle among users. When the app provides incorrect data, it can lead to a decrease in physical activity and, ultimately, health. This situation underscores the importance of reliable technology in personal health management.
While Apple has been singled out in this instance, the challenge is relevant across the tech industry. Companies producing devices that serve as the central hub for users’ digital lives must ensure their products operate reliably.
For those who rely on the Fitness app for motivation, it is advisable to ensure they are using the latest version of the iOS 26 beta. New users may want to consider waiting for the full release in the fall to avoid similar issues. As technology continues to evolve, users should remain vigilant and ensure that their digital health data aligns with their real-world experiences.
