This isn’t the Fitbit you remember.
By Chris Taylor on March 19, 2026
The Fitbit, now owned by Google and visible here on a Pixel watch, is not what it used to be. Credit: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
Fitbit has seen a transformation since my last article about it eight years ago. Back then, I chose the Apple Watch over Fitbit, but now Fitbit has reemerged with some interesting changes. After Google acquired Fitbit for $2.1 billion in 2019, the original wearables were phased out by 2024. The Google Pixel is now the default for Fitbit smartwatches, while the Charge 6 remains a classic fitness tracker.
The app has evolved too, now offering an $8 monthly Premium subscription that includes AI-driven feedback from Google’s AI, Gemini, branded as Coach for Fitbit. Testing for the Coach feature started on Android and expanded to iOS. This happened amidst the transition requiring users to switch from Fitbit accounts to Google accounts by May 19, 2026.
Google’s latest announcement encourages users to trust Fitbit with their health data, offering personalized guidance. The data management promise states: your medical records, like other health data, are not used for ads.
Partnering with b.well Connected Health and Clear, Fitbit aggregates health data and allows searches for medical records using an ID and selfie. So, Fitbit looks different these days. Considering catching up? Keep in mind those new data management policies.
Topics: Fitbit
Chris Taylor is a seasoned tech, entertainment, and culture journalist and author. He has contributed to several prestigious publications and remains engaged in volunteer work and podcasting.