How to Use Apple GymKit on a BowFlex Treadmill with iPhone (iOS 27)

Apple users, listen up: GymKit now works with iPhone. Starting with iOS 27, iPhone users can connect directly to compatible GymKit-enabled cardio equipment, including BowFlex treadmills. The connection uses the treadmill’s built-in NFC reader to exchange workout data between the machine and iPhone or Apple Watch for a unified, accurate workout record.

If you own a BowFlex T6, T9 or T16 treadmill, your machine is already equipped to connect. Simply update your compatible iPhone to iOS 27 and tap it to your treadmill’s NFC reader to connect. Using AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch, or the treadmill’s built-in heart rate contact grips, you can also track your real-time heart rate during your workout.

Here’s a breakdown of what GymKit is, what’s new with iOS 27, and how to connect your iPhone (or Watch) to your BowFlex treadmill step by step.

What is Apple GymKit?

GymKit creates a direct, two-way connection between compatible Apple devices and cardio equipment, including BowFlex’s lineup of treadmills, via NFC.

Simply tap your device to a compatible machine, and your real-time heart rate flows to the equipment while it sends back metrics like distance, pace, speed, incline, and calories to your Apple device. Together, they produce a single, unified workout record that's the most complete and accurate picture of your workout. With iOS 27, GymKit is available on compatible iPhones in addition to Apple Watch.

BowFlex’s current lineup of treadmills is already equipped to take advantage of GymKit’s expanded availability: the BowFlex T6, T9 and T16 treadmills feature a built-in NFC reader that allows you to connect to GymKit, while not requiring an additional monthly subscription.

What Changed with GymKit in iOS 27?

Starting with iOS 27, GymKit is no longer limited to Apple Watch. GymKit will now allow your iPhone (running iOS 27 or later) to connect directly to compatible cardio machines via NFC.

For treadmill workouts, this means:

• iPhone or Apple Watch can connect directly to a GymKit-compatible treadmill like the BowFlex T6, T9 or T16.
• AirPods Pro 3 or Apple Watch can provide real-time heart rate data during a workout. Heart rate can also be tracked through the treadmill’s built-in heart rate contact grips.

How GymKit Works with BowFlex Treadmills

The BowFlex T6, T9 and T16 treadmills all feature an embedded NFC reader and are GymKit compatible.

When you tap a compatible Apple device to a BowFlex treadmill’s NFC reader, the treadmill and device establish a direct connection. The treadmill contributes the metrics only the equipment can precisely measure, including speed, distance, and incline, while Apple devices contribute metrics like real-time heart rate. Together, they give you the most complete and accurate picture of your workout.

How to Connect Your iPhone to a BowFlex Treadmill with GymKit

Connecting your iPhone to a compatible BowFlex treadmill requires just a few steps.

1. Update your devices. Make sure your iPhone and AirPods Pro 3, if you’re using them, are running iOS 27 or later (Apple’s iOS 27 was released on Monday, September 14, 2026).
2. Tap your device to the treadmill to pair. Hold the top of your iPhone near your BowFlex treadmill's NFC reader to establish the connection. If you’re an Apple Watch user, you can continue to tap your Watch to connect as before.
   You can connect a compatible Apple device after you start your workout, or at any time during it, by holding your device near the treadmill’s NFC reader.
3. Start your workout. Select the appropriate workout in Apple Fitness (such as Indoor Walk or Indoor Run) and start the treadmill.
4. Sync your data. Your BowFlex treadmill will send workout metrics such as speed, distance, and incline to your iPhone, while your compatible Apple device provides real-time heart-rate data, visible right on your treadmill's display.
5. Finish your workout. Stop the treadmill when you're done. Your workout data is automatically saved to Apple Fitness.

More ways to connect. No upgrade required.

GymKit compatibility is just one of the ways BowFlex treadmills offer more value to the at-home exerciser. From intuitive controls and an ultra-responsive drive system that enables seamless speed and incline adjustments to broad compatibility with apps like JRNY, Peloton, Zwift, and Garmin, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider buying a BowFlex treadmill over other options.

Shopping for a new treadmill? Check out our GymKit-compatible treadmills for your home gym.

FAQ: BowFlex Treadmills & Apple GymKit (iOS 27)

Does GymKit work with iPhone?

Yes. With iOS 27, compatible iPhones can connect directly to GymKit-enabled cardio equipment, including the BowFlex T6, T9 and T16 treadmills, using NFC. Apple Watch remains supported as another way to connect.

Does my BowFlex treadmill need an upgrade to work with GymKit?

No. The BowFlex T6, T9, and T16 already have the embedded NFC reader GymKit requires. Once your iPhone is running iOS 27, you can connect immediately — no firmware update or new hardware needed.

Do you need an Apple Watch to use GymKit on a BowFlex Treadmill?

No. With iOS 27, compatible iPhones can connect directly to GymKit-enabled cardio equipment, like the BowFlex T6, T9 and T16 treadmills. Apple Watch remains an option with GymKit, so you can continue using your Watch if you prefer.

Do you need a subscription to use GymKit on a BowFlex treadmill?

No. A subscription is not required to use your BowFlex treadmill or its GymKit connectivity. BowFlex treadmills are designed to work without a monthly subscription.

Which BowFlex treadmill is best if I want GymKit?

The BowFlex T6, T9 and T16 all offer GymKit compatibility. The best model for you depends on the features, performance, and training experience you're looking for in a home treadmill.

What metrics sync between my BowFlex treadmill and my Apple device?

Once you’ve connected your compatible device to your GymKit-compatible BowFlex treadmill, metrics like calories, speed, distance, pace, time, and incline all sync in real time and display simultaneously on both your device and the treadmill display. Real-time heart rate captured through your AirPods Pro 3 or Apple Watch will show up on the treadmill’s display. The same tap-to-connect two-way pairing now extends to iPhone with the launch of iOS 27.

How does BowFlex support GymKit?

The BowFlex T6, T9 and T16 feature a built-in NFC reader for GymKit, allowing a direct, real-time, two-way exchange of data between the treadmill and compatible Apple devices, including iPhone and Apple Watch. With iOS 27 extending GymKit to iPhone, BowFlex treadmill owners can take advantage of the expanded connected experience without needing to upgrade their treadmill.