Orangetheory Fitness is opening its in-studio performance-tracking system to members' own Apple Watches. The new option, called OTconnect for Apple Watch, is set to launch on October 23 and carries a one-time connection fee of $99.
The feature is part of the fitness chain's proprietary connected technology platform, which monitors performance in real time during a class and delivers results afterward. Orangetheory described it as an optional addition that joins the existing OTconnect Beat solution.
Once a member has paid the fee, they can wear an Apple Watch during class and see data such as calories burned, heart rate and heart rate zones on the wrist. The watch will also show Splat Points, the metric Orangetheory uses within its classes.
Members begin by starting their workout on the Apple Watch after it connects to OTconnect. When class ends, a performance summary can be reviewed directly in the watch's app. Further workout data and personalized insights are available through the OTF app and in an email sent after class.
The one-time charge also includes up to two free months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+, according to the company.
This is not Orangetheory's first Apple Watch integration. In 2019, the company introduced support through an accessory called OTbeat Link, a $129 device that attached to an Apple Watch band and linked the watch to the studio's heart rate monitoring system. That hardware was discontinued around 2022. The new OTconnect option removes the need for any additional accessory.
Orangetheory says OTconnect for Apple Watch requires watchOS 11.6 or later. It will work with Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch SE or later, and Apple Watch Ultra or later.
The announcement comes as Apple's newest models, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, are available now.
