TL;DR
A WIRED feature by David Nield argues that many common fitness metrics — including step counts, sleep patterns and goal tracking — can be collected using only a modern smartphone, without a separate wearable. The piece reframes the assumption that wrist-worn devices are required for basic activity monitoring.
What happened
In a WIRED story published January 2, 2026, tech journalist David Nield explains that a smartphone alone can handle several routine fitness-tracking tasks typically associated with wearables. The article highlights that phones are capable of logging steps, monitoring sleep, and recording progress toward fitness goals, presenting these capabilities as an alternative to buying and wearing dedicated devices. The reporting challenges the common reflex to reach for a smartwatch or fitness band when people want to monitor activity, instead noting that many users already carry a device that can perform core tracking functions. The piece also includes standard WIRED disclosures that product mentions are selected independently and that purchases through links may generate compensation. Nield’s author bio notes his long experience covering apps and gadgets.
Why it matters
- Phones can provide entry-level fitness tracking without adding hardware for users who already own a smartphone.
- Rethinking phones as primary trackers may change how people approach basic activity monitoring and goal logging.
- Highlighting phone-based options could affect consumer decisions about buying dedicated wearables for simple tracking needs.
Key facts
- The WIRED story was published on January 2, 2026 and written by David Nield.
- According to the article, a phone can log steps, track sleep, and measure progress toward goals.
- The piece positions phone-based tracking as an alternative to wrist-worn wearables for many common metrics.
- WIRED notes that products featured are chosen independently by editors and that links may generate compensation.
- David Nield is described as a tech journalist from Manchester who has been writing about apps and gadgets for more than two decades.
- The article aims to correct the common assumption that wearables are required for basic fitness monitoring.
What to watch next
- Which specific phone apps and built-in features perform best for steps, sleep and goal tracking — not confirmed in the source
- How phone-based measurements compare in accuracy and reliability with dedicated wearables — not confirmed in the source
- Battery life and privacy trade-offs when using a phone for continuous health monitoring — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Step count: A measure of how many steps a person takes, often estimated by motion sensors or algorithms in a device.
- Sleep tracking: The process of recording sleep-related data, such as duration and patterns, using sensors or user input.
- Fitness goal: A user-defined target related to activity, such as a daily step goal or weekly exercise objective.
- Wearable: A device worn on the body, like a smartwatch or fitness band, that can collect physiological or movement data.
- App: Software installed on a smartphone that can collect, display and store health or fitness information.
Reader FAQ
Can my phone replace a fitness wearable?
The article says phones can log steps, track sleep and measure progress toward goals, indicating many basic tracking tasks can be done without a wearable; it does not comprehensively confirm that phones replace all wearable functions.
Do I need a specific app to track fitness on my phone?
not confirmed in the source
Are phone-based fitness measurements as accurate as wearables?
not confirmed in the source
Does phone-only tracking require any extra hardware?
The article states that these tracking tasks can be performed without a separate wearable device.
DAVID NIELD GEAR JAN 2, 2026 5:30 AM You Can Track Plenty of Fitness Stats With Just Your Phone—No Wearables Required You can log your steps, track your sleep, and…
Sources
- You Can Track Plenty of Fitness Stats With Just Your Phone—No Wearables Required
- The 9 best fitness apps of 2025
- 12 Best Step Counter Apps to Meet Your Fitness Goals
- Apps and Trackers to Enhance Your Workout
Related posts
- Samsung’s Freestyle Plus boosts brightness but lumens figures conflict
- Petkit debuts automatic wet-food feeder that tracks pet feeding habits
- Lenovo Coupons and Promotions: Big Savings, Rewards, Financing Options