The global fitness app market is anticipated to witness significant growth due to growing awareness of the people towards health. Fitness apps are mobile applications that allow smart phone users to monitor their health and fitness. These applications can track various health parameters, such as health rate, blood pressure, calories burned per day, and sleeping hours, to evaluate consumer’s overall health. Consumers can access these apps using android or iOS based smart phones and other compatible devices, such as tablets. In addition, they can be integrated with various wearable devices, including smart watches and fitness bands to obtain health related data.
Increasing use of mobile applications by individuals seeking healthy lifestyle to track their fitness level is anticipated to propel market growth. Rising consumption of fast food and increasing cases of obesity are expected to impel demand for health monitoring devices and applications. People are increasingly using smart phones and smart watches to monitor their health on a regular basis. Both the devices allow consumers to record data related to their health, including step count and calories burnt and help them in maintaining their weight. Introduction of innovative products and emergence of new players can further drive the market in coming years. For instance, Nike announced that its widely used fitness app named Nike Training Club, will be available in Apple Watch. Workout available with iOS version of the app will be supported by the Apple watch. Consumers don’t have to use their phone every time to check the readings.
However, availability of numerous low-quality apps can challenge the market. In addition, complications in navigating app stores faced by consumers can obstruct market growth in coming years.
High downloading rates of mobile applications can create lucrative opportunities for the market. It can encourage market players to develop innovative apps and gain traction among consumers. In addition, increasing motivation among female population to monitor their health using smart devices can contribute well to market expansion.
The market can be segmented on the basis of type, deployment, and platform. Based on type, the market can be categorized into nutrition and workout or exercise app. In terms of platform, the market can be classified into tablets, smartphones, and wearable devices. On the basis of deployment, the market can be divided into android, iOS, and windows.
North America is a leading region in the market owing to presence of major market players and rising penetration of smart phones. Increasing cases of obesity owing to unhealthy lifestyle can impel demand for physical fitness in the region. Increasing use of wearable devices, such as trackers, smartwatches, and wristbands, to monitor health can positively influence market growth. Local companies are expected to launch advanced products to create health awareness among consumers. For instance, Fitbit launched Fitbit Plus app to expand its product portfolio. The app allows consumers to communicate directly with health coach and care team. Consumers can also receive personalized support and guidance at the place and time convenient to them. In addition, it supports integration of various health metrics, including blood pressure, blood glucose, and medication adherence.
Asia Pacific is predicted to grow fast in coming years due to rising demand for connected devices. Growing adoption of digital health strategies in developing countries to manage healthcare delivery and better treatment can augment market growth. Supportive government initiatives to promote health awareness among people can stimulate growth of market. In addition, introduction of advanced wearable devices supporting smart phone applications to monitor consumer’s health is likely to boost market growth. For instance, Lenovo launched a revamped version of its fitness app named Lenovo Life. It includes features, such as shape training videos, dieting, and private sports plans. In addition, it has a real-time tracker for users to share activity results.
Some of the leading companies operating in the fitness app market are Fitbit, Motorola Mobility LLC, Azumio, Under Armour, and Jawbone.
