The Fitbit app is becoming the Google Health app, marking a major rebranding and feature overhaul.
Google is transitioning the Fitbit application into the Google Health app, introducing a series of updates that include a redesigned interface, expanded AI-powered coaching, enhanced sleep tracking, and new health logging features. The changes are being rolled out across multiple versions for both Android and iOS platforms.
Rebranding and Interface Updates
Transition to Google Health
Version 4.69 of the Fitbit app for Android displays a message stating: "The Fitbit app is becoming the Google Health app." A preview of the new Google Health app icon is shown alongside the Fitbit Air. The Google Health 5.0 update introduces a new icon and removes Fitbit branding, which is now reserved for hardware. This update is required to set up the new Fitbit Air, scheduled for launch next week. The Google Health update began rolling out on Android on May 19, with full availability expected by May 26.
New Widget & Interface
The new Quick Access Widget can be expanded to a 5×3 size, displaying up to six fitness metrics simultaneously.
A new Quick Access Widget has been introduced for the home screen, replacing the previous circular Steps widget. The widget can also be reduced to show a single stat. It includes a heart icon in the top-left corner that opens the app, a last updated time indicator, and a refresh button. Tapping a metric opens the full stats page.
Key Interface Changes:
- Focus stats have been redesigned with a larger set of selectable metrics, supporting a 2×3 grid and multiple pages.
- The floating action button for non-Premium users has been replaced with a "Log" button beneath the focus stats.
- Temperature logging has been reintroduced.
- The only available widget is now the "Steps Widget."
- Long-press app shortcuts have been removed.
AI Health Coach Expansion
Availability & Requirements
The public preview of the Fitbit personal health coach, powered by Google's Gemini AI, has expanded significantly. It is now available to iOS users in the U.S. and to both Android and iOS users in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
To access the AI health coach, users must have:
- An active Fitbit Premium subscription
- A Google account signed into the Fitbit app
- One of 14 supported devices, including Fitbit wearables and the Pixel Watch
Functionality
The personal health coach is designed to function as a fitness trainer, sleep expert, and general health and wellness advisor.
The redesigned app features a "Today" tab and a new "Fitness" tab. The Fitness tab assists users in creating personal plans, suggesting workouts, and setting target metrics. These activities are dynamically updated based on real-time user data, such as weekly progress or injuries. Users can ask the coach questions including:
- Guidance on starting a running routine
- Creating custom workouts
- Integrating recommended workouts into a weekly schedule
The Fitness tab displays cards for Exercise days, Steps, and Weekly cardio, alongside lists of Upcoming workouts, Recent activities, and Key metrics.
Sleep & Health Coaching
The "Sleep" tab provides statistics and allows users to inquire about sleep quality, methods to improve deep sleep, relaxing wind-down routines, and sleep pattern analysis.
The "Health" tab consolidates vital metrics, including:
- Breathing rate
- Blood oxygen (SpO2)
- Resting heart rate
- Heart rate variability
- Skin temperature variation
Additional health metrics are categorized under "Health areas" such as Weight & body, Heart, Respiratory, and Temperature.
Sleep Tracking Enhancements
Sleep stage accuracy (REM, Light, Deep) has been improved by an additional 15%. This enhancement uses advanced machine learning to better differentiate between periods of attempting to sleep and actual sleep, leading to more precise capture of interruptions and naps.
A new Sleep Score experience will evaluate specific aspects of rest, including duration of sound sleep and time taken to fall asleep. The sleep tracking updates are scheduled for rollout over the next few days, with the new Sleep Score experience becoming available in the coming weeks.
Medical Record Integration
Beginning next month, US Public Preview users will be able to link medical records—such as lab results and medications—with the Fitbit app.
Integrating medical history is expected to enable more relevant and personalized coaching. Examples include summarizing cholesterol lab results, highlighting trends, and providing wellness information based on medical history and wearable data. In future months, users will be able to securely share these records with family or healthcare providers using a Smart Health Link URL or QR code.
Fitbit states that medical records are stored securely and will not be used for advertising. The company is collaborating with partners including b.well and CLEAR for the addition of this data.
Additional Health Features
Nutrition and Water Logging (Version 4.66)
The Health tab's "Focus areas" now include a "Nutrition" section providing statistics pages for energy burned, hydration, calorie target, and macronutrients. Users can set calorie targets, log meals, and track calorie and water intake.
Mental Wellbeing & Cycle Health
A "Mental wellbeing" section has been added, featuring mindfulness tracking, body responses, and mood logging. An updated stress management score, termed "Resilience," provides insights into the body's stress response. Cycle health is also available for period logging and symptom tracking.
Continuous Glucose Monitor Integration
Public Preview users will be able to integrate continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data via Health Connect, allowing the coach to provide insights on how workouts or food consumption impact glucose levels.
Version & Availability Summary
- Version 4.66: Currently rolling out on the Google Play Store for Android; iOS version fully launched.
- Version 4.68: Available for iOS and rolling out to Android users. Includes sleep log editing for Android and personalized motivational messages.
- Version 4.69: Widely rolled out via the Google Play Store for Android.
- Google Health 5.0: Rollout began May 19, expected completion by May 26.