Integrating third-party hardware can be difficult. This week, Peloton raised a few eyebrows, giving up Apple GymKit compatibility for its Bike Bootcamp program. Naturally, users reacted quickly. The situation has left some wondering if this move was a direct response to Apple’s recent entry into the Fitness + home exercise market.
A Peloton spokesman gave the following statement to TechCrunch: “The Apple GymKit is designed to work with equipment-based cardio workouts. However, Peloton recently implemented GymKit with Bike Bootcamp, a type of multidisciplinary class that combines endurance and cardio, which the feature does not support. Members can still use GymKit to sync their cycling workouts only with the Bike + Apple Watch. ”
The comment seems to reflect one of the biggest issues with its initial implementation of GymKit. Designed with the gym in mind, Apple’s program engages with specific exercise equipment. In other words, you use treadmill integration, and the Watch specifically goes for tracking performance values. Use it with a bicycle and watch cycling.
A program like Bike Bootcamp complicates things by adding things like dumbbells to the mix. The implementation was probably outside the guidelines of third parties regarding the implementation of GymKit. The biggest problem for Peloton owners is that GymKit was a major distinguishing feature between the standard Peloton bike and Bike + – two products with a $ 500 discount.
The truth is that, at least for now, working together is still a positive thing for both parties. Apple may have its own fitness platform, but Peloton has a huge footprint – one that probably has a significant overlap with Apple Watch users. The GymKit may have been developed with the gym in mind, but people haven’t visited the gym much in the last year, and there’s a reasonable expectation that the industry will never fully return.
From Peloton, it’s probably good to play nice with the company that completely dominates the smartwatch category.