Orangetheory now lets members use their own Apple Watch for $99

Orangetheory Fitness is letting members use their own Apple Watch to track class stats, starting the day after its announcement. The feature is called OTconnect for Apple Watch. It costs a one-time $99 connection fee, and it is optional.

What you get

During class, the watch shows calories burned, heart rate and heart rate zones on your wrist. It also shows Splat Points, part of Orangetheory's tracking system. Before class, you start your workout on the watch once it connects. Afterward, you can see a summary on the watch. More data and personalized insights arrive in the OTF app and by email.

• One-time $99 fee, no extra device to buy
• Up to two free months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ included
• Requires watchOS 11.6 or later
• Works with Apple Watch Series 6 or later, SE or later, and Ultra or later

Background

Orangetheory first supported Apple Watch in 2019 with OTbeat Link. That was a $129 accessory that attached to a watch band. It was discontinued around 2022. The new option removes the need for that hardware. It sits alongside the existing OTconnect Beat solution.

What is not clear

The announcement does not say whether the free Apple Music and Fitness+ months apply to everyone or only to new subscribers. It also does not say how the $99 fee compares with the cost of the existing Beat option. Members who want to try it should check the details with their studio.