iOS 26 Public Beta Causes Fitness App Tracking Issues
The recent release of the iOS 26 public beta has disrupted users’ fitness tracking, leading to significant discrepancies in activity data recorded by the Fitness app on iPhones. Users have reported that their daily activity metrics, including step counts and calories burned, are being inaccurately logged, resulting in diminished motivation to meet fitness goals.
The Fitness app, which tracks users’ movement and calorie expenditure, underwent changes in previous updates that allowed it to function independently of the Apple Watch. This development has been beneficial for users who prefer not to wear smartwatches. However, issues arose after downloading the iOS 26 public beta, with reports indicating that the app significantly undercounted activity metrics.
A user experience highlights the problem. After downloading the iOS 26 public beta, the individual attempted to walk home from a cookout approximately 1.3 miles away. Normally, this walk would burn around 160 calories; however, the app recorded only half of that total. This issue persisted across various activities, leading to a decline in fitness metrics and user motivation.
To investigate, the user conducted a controlled experiment by comparing the Fitness app’s performance on two different iPhone models. The iPhone 12, running the iOS 26 public beta, logged 88 calories burned over a distance of 1.12 miles, while an iPhone 14 operating on iOS 18 recorded significantly higher calorie burn despite fewer steps. The findings suggested that the iOS 26 beta was indeed underreporting activity levels.
After installing the second public beta of iOS 26, the user observed a marked improvement in the Fitness app’s performance, indicating that earlier software versions had contributed to the tracking inaccuracies. This situation raises broader concerns about software reliability and the implications of inaccurate health data.
As technology increasingly integrates into daily life, users depend on devices to provide accurate and actionable health information. The trust placed in such software is crucial, especially regarding personal health metrics. When updates disrupt this data flow, it can have a demotivating effect on users striving to maintain an active lifestyle.
While specific to Apple and its Fitness app, this issue underscores a common challenge faced by many technology companies aiming to enhance user experience. The reliability of health-tracking features must remain a priority, as many individuals rely on them for motivation and accountability in their fitness journeys.
For those using the Fitness app, it is advisable to ensure that the latest version of the iOS 26 public beta is installed. Additionally, users who have not yet upgraded may want to wait for the full release later this year to avoid similar tracking discrepancies. Verifying that the data aligns with real-world experiences remains essential for motivation and achieving fitness goals.
