Apple Announces 'Fitness+' Workout Service for $9.99/Month

[ArtOfWarfare]

You don’t sound like you understand typical Apple customers to me. If they wanted to deal with YouTube ads, DVDs and COVID gyms, to save a buck, they would already be using an Android device.

You're correct - I don't understand Apple's customers anymore.

It used to be that you bought Apple's products because while the upfront cost was higher, you'd save money in the long run because they'd be higher quality and last longer.

It used to be that a PC had to be replaced every 2-3 years while a Mac could last 5-7 years.

Now it seems like all phones, both Android and iPhone, get replaced every 1-3 years. Apple even encourages it with their annual iPhone upgrade program. Apple's AirPods have the same issue - obscenely high price compared to the competition and the same short lifespan.

Apple has really trashed their own brand over the past decade. There was once a time I would have trusted Apple to make a car and I would have bought whatever they made. Now I feel it's likely the battery would die and not be replaceable within 2 years and I'd have to buy a new one.

 

[dgdosen]

One area I'm a bit confused about - are Apple's 'classes' live events? recordings? One thing that I would sour on is if Apple expected you to repeatedly watch the same video of the same workout... that would get old quick.

 

[Martinpa]

One area I'm a bit confused about - are Apple's 'classes' live events? recordings? One thing that I would sour on is if Apple expected you to repeatedly watch the same video of the same workout... that would get old quick.

They are pre-recorded, and they said in the keynotes new ones are to be added weekly.

 

[unfunfionn]

Millions of people live in cities and areas where the weather is too hot or cold or smoky (wildfires all month) to exercise safely outdoors. Peleton had an amazing year for these reasons as well as covid so you’re overlooking a large base of potential users.

I can understand the use case completely, trust me. I’ve been an indoor cyclist for years, at least in winter. And this is exactly why I think Peloton is such a waste of money. You invest all of this money in hardware you could never ever take outside, can’t easily customise or upgrade, all for an over-priced subscription that you can’t leave. It is a marketing gimmick for people who don’t shop around.

 

[wigby]

I can understand the use case completely, trust me. I’ve been an indoor cyclist for years, at least in winter. And this is exactly why I think Peloton is such a waste of money. You invest all of this money in hardware you could never ever take outside, can’t easily customise or upgrade, all for an over-priced subscription that you can’t leave. It is a marketing gimmick for people who don’t shop around.

I’m not defending the value of Peloton, just explaining that they have a lot of potential customers. Like Apple, you pay more for a premium experience that you could get for less by shopping around and kludging together various Android and PC devices. But if you have the money and value your time more, why bother?

 

[wigby]

You're correct - I don't understand Apple's customers anymore.

It used to be that you bought Apple's products because while the upfront cost was higher, you'd save money in the long run because they'd be higher quality and last longer.

It used to be that a PC had to be replaced every 2-3 years while a Mac could last 5-7 years.

Now it seems like all phones, both Android and iPhone, get replaced every 1-3 years. Apple even encourages it with their annual iPhone upgrade program. Apple's AirPods have the same issue - obscenely high price compared to the competition and the same short lifespan.

Apple has really trashed their own brand over the past decade. There was once a time I would have trusted Apple to make a car and I would have bought whatever they made. Now I feel it's likely the battery would die and not be replaceable within 2 years and I'd have to buy a new one.

I see no difference between the Apple of ten years ago and today. Many Apple customers like me buy new iPhones every year or other year because we can afford it but I know many iPhone users with 5-7 year old phones. They don’t care about iOS vs. Android so long as their phones just work. Ask any Android user and they will tell you that their devices simply don’t last beyond 4 years no matter how much they love Android and hate Apple. Same goes for Macs vs. PCs.

 

[cdcastillo]

$10/month is what a gym membership costs at Planet Fitness and some other gyms...

Really? I live in the a developing country and I pay around 90 USD per month for my gym membership. One perk is that they froze the fees since the pandemic started (they're closed). I must inquire around to see if I can get a cheaper option with a swimming pool.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

Really? I live in the a developing country and I pay around 90 USD per month for my gym membership. One perk is that they froze the fees since the pandemic started (they're closed). I must inquire around to see if I can get a cheaper option with a swimming pool.

Swimming pools are expensive. Planet Fitness doesn't have them - I don't think most gyms do?

 

[MrMojo1]

I see no difference between the Apple of ten years ago and today. Many Apple customers like me buy new iPhones every year or other year because we can afford it but I know many iPhone users with 5-7 year old phones. They don’t care about iOS vs. Android so long as their phones just work.

That's basically it!
Not everyone can afford to buy a new Apple product esp. on a yearly basis or so. People have other worries like having a job (considering this CoV crisis with lots of people who are unemployed and many had to cash out whatever savings they had to survive).
Buying a new Apple product Is a luxury for those who can afford it.
Not everyone is that fortunate.

 

[wigby]

That's basically it!
Not everyone can afford to buy a new Apple product esp. on a yearly basis or so. People have other worries like having a job (considering this CoV crisis with lots of people who are unemployed and many had to cash out whatever savings they had to survive).
Buying a new Apple product Is a luxury for those who can afford it.
Not everyone is that fortunate.

Fortunately for all of us, Apple products function longer than competitive brands. So we’re back to the original point that Apple products cost more up front but offer more value because they do more and last longer. I don’t see many Apple users switching to cheaper brands just because of a recession or slump in the economy.

 

[MrMojo1]

I don’t see many Apple users switching to cheaper brands just because of a recession or slump in the economy.

The issue is Not switching brands but Buying Newer Apple products, esp. on a yearly basis, which is an ongoing discussion for Years regarding Apple products.
That Is a luxury for those who can afford it.

Since Apple products are now lasting longer and Apple appears to be supporting it longer with OS updates, the relative value is there, Unless you happen to buy at the End of the support cycle of one of its products.