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My Favorite VR Fitness App Supernatural Is Returning, and It Won't Be Owned by Meta

An independent company called Supernatural Health is making a new app. It sounds like good news for Supernatural fans like me.

CNET 3 min read 5/10
My Favorite VR Fitness App Supernatural Is Returning, and It Won't Be Owned by Meta
Key Takeaways
  • Supernatural Health, an independent startup, is reviving the VR fitness app originally acquired by Meta in 2021.
  • The new app will be owned and operated independently of Meta, addressing fan concerns over corporate influence.
  • Founded by former Supernatural employees, the company has secured seed funding and targets a beta launch in late 2025.
  • Core features like full-body workouts, personalized coaching, and immersive environments will remain, with likely Quest headset compatibility.
  • The revival highlights a trend of indie VR resurrections, as users seek specialized experiences outside big-tech walled gardens.
The beloved VR fitness app Supernatural is making a comeback—and this time it won't be owned by Meta. An independent company called Supernatural Health has announced a new version of the app, promising fans the same immersive workouts without the corporate baggage.

Supernatural Health, a newly formed entity unaffiliated with Meta, is resurrecting the iconic VR fitness app that many users adored for its high-energy workouts set in stunning virtual landscapes. The original Supernatural was acquired by Meta in 2021 as part of its push into the metaverse, but the app's future became uncertain amid Meta's shifting priorities and layoffs. Now, Supernatural Health aims to deliver a fresh, independent experience that puts users first.

Context: Supernatural launched in 2020 as a subscription-based VR fitness platform for the Oculus Quest (now Meta Quest). It quickly gained a cult following for its polished workouts, curated playlists, and social features. When Meta bought the company behind Supernatural, some fans worried it would lose its unique identity or be folded into Meta's broader ecosystem. Those fears intensified when Meta scaled back its Reality Labs division in 2023, leading to speculation that Supernatural might be discontinued.

Key details: The new Supernatural app is being developed by Supernatural Health, a startup founded in 2024 by former employees of the original Supernatural team. The company has secured seed funding and says it will remain independent, with no plans to sell to a tech giant. While a specific launch date hasn't been released, the company expects a beta release in late 2025. The app will reportedly retain the core features fans loved—full-body workouts, personalized coaching, and immersive environments—and is likely to remain compatible with Meta Quest headsets. Supernatural Health has not yet announced pricing, but the original app cost $19/month or $179/year.

Analysis: The return of Supernatural as an independent app signals a growing trend: consumers and developers pushing back against platform consolidation. VR fitness is a niche but passionate market, and Supernatural's revival shows that brand loyalty can survive even when a product is swallowed by a big-tech parent. The move also underscores the importance of specialized apps that can operate outside of walled gardens. For Meta, losing Supernatural means losing a key differentiator for its Quest platform, though Meta still offers other fitness options like FitXR and Les Mills BodyCombat.

Outlook: Supernatural Health faces significant challenges—rebuilding the community, securing licensing for music and virtual settings, and competing with free alternatives like Meta's own Move tracker. However, the passionate fan base and the team's pedigree give the new app a strong chance. If successful, Supernatural could become a case study in how independent VR experiences thrive post-acquisition. Fans should watch for beta invitations and a possible launch later this year. One thing is certain: for those who missed the beat of the virtual boxing and flow workouts, the comeback is real.

Frequently Asked Questions

Supernatural was acquired by Meta in 2021 but fans felt it lost its independence. The new company, Supernatural Health, was formed by former employees to revive the app without Meta's ownership.

The new app is developed by Supernatural Health, an independent startup founded in 2024 by former members of the original Supernatural team.

Supernatural Health expects a beta launch in late 2025, with a full release likely in 2026. Exact dates have not been announced.

While not confirmed, the app is expected to remain compatible with Meta Quest headsets, just like the original version.

The new app will feature full-body workouts, personalized coaching, immersive virtual environments, and curated music playlists, similar to the original Supernatural.

Original source

www.cnet.com

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