Having partnered with Nike and its hugely popular Nike+ system for a number of years Apple looks set to expand its fitness based offerings with a real-time competitive fitness app to come pre-installed on future iterations of its mobile iOS operating system.

Detailed in a newly outed patent filing as being able to sync with a number of pieces of gym equipment the leaked Apple fitness application would allow users to track and upload data in real-time sharing the results with contacts to create an actively competitive training environment.

The instant data relay of the touted application would allow users to compete with friends and colleagues across the world as if they were running the same track or circuit. The collection of data sent to the iOS devices’ displays is said to offer the usual array of distance, calories burned and time information as well as heart-rate and blood oxygen levels.

The patent filing, which goes under the title 'Interfacing Portable Media Devices and Sports Equipment', reveals that all data would be transferred seamlessly between users via a third party website.

The filing covers: "Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player.

"Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment.”

The patent application goes on to add: "This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement."

Would a bespoke, fully integrated Apple fitness app further tempt you into splashing out on a future generation iPhone? If not let us know what integrated apps you would want via the comments box below.

Via: TechRadar