Apple Fitness + “ Time to Walk ” feature soon to be launched with audio stories from special guests

Earlier this week, Apple released Release Candidate watchOS 7.3, which is typically the final beta of a software update. The update release notes list a new “Time to Walk” feature for Apple Fitness + subscribers, described as “an audio experience in the Workout app where guests share inspirational stories as you walk.”

Apple Fitness + subscribers will be able to open the Workout app on an Apple Watch, select Time to Walk, and choose from one of the audio stories to listen to as they walk. The functionality will likely extend to wheelchair users.

Based on a screenshot of an Apple Fitness + promotional video that was deleted from shared by Twitter user Othmane, it looks like Time to Walk will include a 30-minute story from singer Shawn Mendes at launch. Othmane says the video also showed stories from singer Dolly Parton, NBA star Draymond Green and actress Uzo Aduba, known for her role as Suzanne Warren in the Netflix original series “Orange Is the New Black. “.

While Time to Walk settings started appearing weeks ago in previous beta versions of watchOS 7.3 and iOS 14.4, the stories are not yet accessible. The feature is expected to launch when software updates are released, likely next week.

A new setting on Apple Watch can be activated to ensure that new Time to Walk stories are added to the Workout app as soon as they become available. Stories will be downloaded when Apple Watch is connected to power and near a paired iPhone, and they will be deleted automatically when you finish training.

Apple Fitness + launched last month, giving subscribers access to a library of workout videos covering strength, yoga, dancing, running, walking, cycling, rowing, and more, with new content delivered weekly by a team of trainers hired by Apple. Fitness + incorporates personal metrics like Apple Watch heart rate to motivate users, animating them onscreen during key training moments. Time to Walk will be unique as workouts can be done outdoors without having to look at a screen.

Apple Fitness + is currently available in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Apple offers a one-month free trial for all Apple Watch users and an extended three-month trial for customers who purchased a new Apple Watch Series 3 or newer after September 15, 2020. After the trial, the service is priced at $ 9.99 per month or $ 79.99 per year in the United States.