[DigitalToday Seung-a Yoo, intern reporter] Apple is pushing plans to expand its in-development non-augmented reality smartglasses into a health and fitness platform. Such features are likely to be developed in later models rather than a first-generation product that is being discussed as a possible launch next year.

On Aug. 2, local time, IT outlet 9to5Mac reported that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple is reviewing a direction to turn its next smartglasses into another health platform.

Apple has previously reviewed a plan to use Vision Pro as a health platform. The concept at the time included running the Fitness+ application on the headset to watch workout videos, track users' movements and fill activity rings. It was also reported to have prepared body-tracking analytics that could differentiate it from the iPad or Apple TV.

But Vision Pro's weight became an obstacle. Apple scrapped the plan due to the burden of wearing the headset and is reviewing bringing a similar concept back in smartglasses. Because the product has no display, the way it is implemented will inevitably differ.

It has not been disclosed in detail what functions Apple is preparing for the smartglasses. Hiring is under way, suggesting development is continuing. Gurman raised the possibility of combining the "workout assist" feature introduced to Apple Watch last year with a plan to embed glasses with a heart-rate sensor similar to one first installed in AirPods Pro 3. If that configuration materialises, the smartglasses could become a useful companion device for runners.

The possibility of using cameras has also been raised. The idea is that a smartglasses camera could identify a user's movements and analyse what they are doing properly during exercise and what needs to be fixed. It would in effect move body-tracking analytics pursued for Vision Pro into a different form.

The role of an initial product is likely to be limited. Gurman pointed out that the health features are "unlikely to be included in the initial generation model". He added that it "could take several years" for Apple's overall concept to be implemented in an actual product.

Apple's smartglasses strategy is therefore seen as going beyond competition in simple wearable accessories and widening links to health services. The health platform concept halted in Vision Pro is shifting to smartglasses, but the first product is likely to be limited to laying the groundwork. Key points to watch are what combination of sensors and cameras Apple will include, and from which generation it will put health features at the forefront.