One of the selling points for Peloton’s new one Bicycle + GymKit integration with the Apple Watch for easier and more accurate workout tracking. Now, it appears that Peloton has recently removed GymKit support for its cycling boot camps, limiting the Apple Watch integration to just cycling lessons.
The news was first noticed by ConnectTheWattsThe report includes a screenshot from an Instagram comment, in which a user complains that Peloton suddenly turns off GymKit for Bike Bootcamp classes, which combine strength training with cycling in one workout. (And is a clever use of the Bike + ‘s rotating display.) Peloton then officially replied to the comment, saying, “Apple GymKit is only supported in our cycling lessons. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and hope to support Apple GymKit for additional classes in the future. “
A Peloton spokesperson also confirmed to Gizmodo that “GymKit functionality will only be available in cycling classes for now.”
GymKit is an Apple platform that allows the Apple Watch to automatically sync with fitness equipment. Introduced with watchOS 4 in 2017, you may have come across it if your gym has newer cardio machines equipped with NFC. The way it works is you tap the machine with your Apple Watch and your heart rate data will be shared automatically. Another plus is that the cardio machine (eg, treadmills, bicycles, etc.) syncs more accurate pace and distance data with your watch. The thing is, GymKit only works with a single cardio machine for a single workout at any one time. To take advantage of the Apple Watch’s ability to do mixed workout tracking, you should forgo GymKit.
Platoon quietly scaling back support for a marquee is … interesting to say the least. You could interpret this as beef as Apple has emerged as a serious competitor since launching its own on-demand training service, Fitness +Then there’s also the fact that Peloton has been making some intriguing acquisitions lately. At the end of 2020, Peloton acquired three startups in the field of AI and connected fitness equipment, including Atlas Wearables. Atlas Wearables is notable for being in the process of launching its own fitness tracker and building a massive database of training algorithms. When this news got out, it spurred speculation that Platoon might be brooding developing its own smartwatch or fitness tracker. There’s no hard evidence, but these acquisitions, plus cutting support for the Apple Watch just before Peloton’s annual Homecoming event, is suspiciously appropriate timing, especially since Peloton’s event. page teases ‘big news’.
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As wonderful as the idea would be for Peloton and Apple to battle it out, that may not be what’s going on here. Platoon users entered subreddits and other social media outlets about GymKit’s spotty connectivity in recent months. You also have to consider that the Apple Watch isn’t good at doing mixed workouts – which is exactly what Platoon’s Bike Bootcamp classes are. (There also is a subreddit of users thinking about which Apple Watch workout they can even use for these classes.) Removing GymKit support for everything but rides can be a matter of technical usability. After all, Platoon got some heat huge shipping delays during the pandemic. The last thing it wants is to provide a sub-par experience after customers have waited a long time to get the Bike +.
Still, it is disappointing that Peloton did this quietly. Many people have mentioned GymKit and Apple Watch compatibility as one reason why they bought or upgraded to the Bike +. Surprise updates like this are annoying, especially since buying an Apple Watch and Peloton is no small purchase. Even if removing support for Bootcamp training is an attempt to improve the overall experience, it’s up to companies to disclose that to consumers before deciding to pick hundreds or thousands of dollars for expensive gear.
Update, 15/04/2021, 1:05 pm: Added more context about GymKit limited to some cardio machines and workouts.