Can't claim the three-month free trial for Apple Fitness+? Here's the fix.

Apple Fitness Plus
Apple Fitness Plus (Image credit: Apple)

What you need to know

  • If you've bought a new Apple Watch as of September 15, you're supposed to get a three-month free trial of Apple Fitness+.
  • Some people don't see the option for the extended free trial.
  • No apparent fix as of yet, but Apple Support may be able to help you out.

Update

If you can't access the three-month free trial for Fitness+, and you should be eligible for the service, It seems your best bet is to contact Apple Support.

After a slightly lengthy process (about an hour) I have my Fitness+ three-month free trial. I did have to provide the receipt for my Apple Watch SE purchase (which was back on September 15, 2020), and I did have to talk to three different individuals, but they eventually found a solution for me.

If you're encountering an issue with claiming your free trial, I highly suggest contacting Apple Support. Be kind, be patient, and have your receipt for your Apple Watch purchase at the ready. Hopefully, they'll be able to help you.

Original article

Apple launched its new video-led workout service Apple Fitness+, and although lots of early reviews are praising the service, the launch is experiencing one major hiccup.

Apple Fitness Plus Trial Screenshot

Apple Fitness Plus Trial Screenshot (Image credit: iMore)

When Apple announced the service back in September, it told people that anyone who bought a new Apple Watch (Series 3 or later) would get a three-month free trial of the new service when it launched; however, not all users can see the option for the extended trial period.

Once you've updated your iPhone to iOS 14.3 and your Apple Watch to watchOS 7.2, the 3-month trial should automatically appear as an option (as you can see in the screenshot to the right). Some users are complaining that they only have the opportunity for a one-month free trial, which is the standard free trial period that anybody can try.

I am experiencing this issue. I bought an Apple Watch SE on September 15 and should be eligible for the 3-month free trial; however, when I open the Fitness+ tab in the Fitness app, I only get the option for a one-month trial period. All my devices are logged in to the same Apple ID (which is necessary), and I have no outstanding updates to be completed.

Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any fix for the problem yet. I suggest you contact Apple Support (which is what I have done) to remedy the issue. Also, Apple Watches bought through Best Buy are supposed to be eligible for an extended trial period. Best Buy is supposed to be sending out emails to qualified customers with the correct details.

**Update

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 

Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.