Observed Signal · Jul 8, 2026 · Feature Launch · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
WeWard launches Walking Mode to lock apps until steps met
WeWard, a France-based rewards app backed by Venus Williams, has launched a feature called "Walking Mode" that lets users lock chosen apps until they reach a configurable step goal. The feature aims to encourage walking and reduce screen time; WeWard says its platform has about 30 million users across 29 countries (including 4 million in the U.S.) and has been shown to increase walking time by nearly 25%. The company continues to monetize via in-app purchases, affiliate marketing, premium subscriptions and advertising, and says it does not sell user data to third parties.
Product feature launch from a consumer rewards app with a sizable user base (30M) that touches in-app engagement and advertising monetization, but it is not a major platform or policy change affecting the wider AdTech ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- WeWard launched a feature called "Walking Mode" that can restrict access to selected apps until a user reaches a chosen step count.
- WeWard reports having 30 million users across 29 countries, including 4 million users in the United States.
- WeWard says its platform has been shown to increase walking time by almost 25%.
- The app is backed/funded by tennis star and angel investor Venus Williams.
- WeWard states it monetizes through in-app purchases, affiliate marketing, premium subscriptions and advertising, and that it does not sell user data to third parties.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“WeWard co-founder Yves Benchimol told TechCrunch, “Walking Mode is our contribution to that vision, and we hope it inspires a broader conver...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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