When a leading fitness consultancy approached us to build an app that could keep up with the pace of HIIT workouts and the rhythm of high-energy playlists, we knew this wasn’t just another timer project. It had to motivate, synchronize, and perform across devices—without missing a beat.
This is the story of how we developed a smart, music-integrated Tabata Timer app for iOS and watchOS, transforming high-intensity workouts into high-quality fitness experiences.
Built for Burn—Not Boredom
The fitness industry is full of timers, but very few are designed with the user in mind. Ours had to do more than count seconds—it had to drive performance.
We delivered:
A sleek, user-first UI tailored for intense HIIT routines
Customizable Tabata cycles (work/rest/rounds)
Tap-friendly controls optimized for sweaty fingers
Voice prompts and haptic feedback for eyes-free training
Whether on iPhone or Apple Watch, users stay in the zone—no distractions, just results.
Music Meets Movement
Nothing powers a final rep like the right track. So we made music a core feature—not an afterthought.
Music integration included:
In-app playlist access through Apple Music
Tempo-sync options for specific workout phases
Background music support during app usage
Auto-play for interval start cues
Users don’t just hear their workouts—they feel them.
Watch-First, Mobile-Ready
We built the app using Swift for iOS and watchOS—ensuring seamless continuity across Apple devices.
Core features include:
Standalone Apple Watch app for phone-free workouts
Syncing stats and timers between iPhone & Watch
Activity Ring integration for tracking goals
Offline mode for workouts in low-connectivity zones
This isn’t just mobile fitness—it’s wearable efficiency.
Subscriptions That Don’t Sweat You Out
Monetization needed to be smooth and secure. We integrated native Apple subscriptions for hassle-free user management.
The flow includes:
One-tap premium upgrades
Subscription status syncing across devices
Trial periods with auto-renew options
Usage-based prompts for upsell moments
Less friction, more gains—for users and business.
Intuitive Tech, Smarter Training
Beyond timers and music, we designed for flexibility and performance insight.
We added:
Workout history with duration summaries
Custom interval presets and favorite routines
Smart reminders for missed training days
Calorie burn estimation using Apple HealthKit
The app doesn’t just tell time—it tells progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We developed the app using Swift, with support for iOS 16+ and watchOS 9+, ensuring compatibility across iPhone and Apple Watch devices.
Yes, users can access saved Tabata presets and run workouts without an internet connection—ideal for gym sessions or outdoor training.
The app syncs with Apple Music to allow users to play their playlists during workouts. Music plays in the background with cues for intervals layered on top.
Absolutely. Users can set custom work, rest, and round durations—and save them as reusable templates for future sessions.
Yes. The app uses Apple HealthKit to log workout stats, including calories burned and heart rate zones, giving users deeper insight into their performance.