Latest news with #Whoopgate
Boston Globe
10-05-2025
- Boston Globe
Whoop faces backlash after charging existing users upgrade fee for new models
'Instead of purchasing new hardware every time an updated model is produced, Whoop members receive the next-generation device for free after having been a member for six months or more,' it wrote in a since-deleted blog post published last year. The company said that it's 'committed to releasing new and regular updates constantly without requiring the purchase or use of a new device.' But when Whoop announced the latest devices, it said that users would need to extend their subscription or pay a $49 upgrade fee. Users with the prior device, the 4.0 that launched in September 2021, won't get access to new software features including advanced women's health tracking or one that estimates the user's physiological age. Advertisement A Whoop spokesperson said that, 'like any company, we from time to time update our commercial policies.' The spokesperson added that it has 'worked to make Whoop more accessible to more people' and that it is now offering three tiers of membership, including one with its lowest price to date of $199. Advertisement The Whoop 4.0 will 'also continue to be supported' with new features coming to users on the $239 Peak membership, the spokesperson said. Existing subscribers have expressed frustration on social media sites like X and Reddit, where they have accused the company of 'lying,' rug pulling and 'forcing users to pay extra' to describe the apparent change in Whoop's upgrade policy. Others have threatened to cancel their memberships. A Reddit post titled 'Whoop lied to us. End of story' has more than 790 upvotes. Another, titled 'Whoopgate — The receipts,' which shows the referenced deleted blog post, has some 1,500 upvotes, along with around 280 comments.
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Whoop sparks outrage following product launch
The fitness tracker world is usually pretty chill. Updates drop, new features roll out, and users either upgrade or don't. But not this time. A new launch from a beloved brand has left some of its most loyal fans feeling blindsided - and they're not being quiet about it. Related: Gymshark consumers furious, call for boycott Reddit is flooded with accusations, screenshots, and a growing thread of frustration that's been dubbed #Whoopgate by the community. Some are even calling for legal action. One user put it bluntly: "They've lied before, they're lying again, and they will lie again. Can we get a class action suit?" - u/cwamoon Image source: Whoop On paper, the new Whoop launch should've been a slam dunk. The company introduced two next-generation wearables - Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG - with a 14-day battery life, sleeker design, an FDA-cleared ECG, Blood Pressure Insights, more flexible wear options beyond the wrist, and a new global ambassador: soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo. Founder & CEO Will Ahmed called it "a new chapter" and said Whoop had "held nothing back." That might be true - at least for new customers. But existing members say they've been left behind. Despite years of loyalty (and hundreds of dollars spent), many aren't eligible for free upgrades and must pay again - in some cases at a higher tier - to access new features. Related: Oura launches genius features to take on Apple, Fitbit, and Whoop The reaction has been swift. Users have accused the company of deceptive business practices, going back on their word, and misleading upgrade promises. Reddit threads titled "Whoopgate: The Receipts" by u/fffraterrr and "Upvote this if you cancelled your Whoop subscription!" by u/danfar93 have gone viral. Many users say they've already cancelled their subscriptions. Others are comparing Whoop's tactics to something out of a Black Mirror episode. Screenshots are being posted as evidence - comparing emails, pricing tiers, and upgrade eligibility - with many users saying they feel scammed and betrayed by a company they trusted. They argue Whoop has gone back on its word, promising one thing and delivering another. Many longtime members are outright pissed, saying the company's tactics feel manipulative and shady. Whoop made its name as the premium wearable for performance-obsessed athletes, biohackers, and data nerds. But now, it's facing a customer trust crisis - just as competition in the space is heating up. The global fitness tracker market was valued at $60.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately $164.4 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. Earlier this week, Oura, one of Whoop's biggest rivals, introduced two game-changing new features focused on heart health and women's wellness. The update was seen as a major step forward for a brand that's already become a favorite among wellness influencers and longevity-focused consumers. Whoop, meanwhile, is dealing with accusations of bait-and-switch tactics and broken promises. That's risky for a company that relies heavily on recurring revenue - charging up to $359/year for its top-tier membership. This isn't just about hardware. It's about trust, and that's much harder to rebuild. For now, Whoop hasn't issued a public response to the backlash. But the longer they stay silent, the louder the anger gets. And that call for a class action lawsuit? It's starting to sound a lot more serious than just Reddit noise. In a fast-moving wearables market, brand loyalty can disappear overnight - and for Whoop, it already is. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
