Google Revives Fitbit: New Hardware and AI-Powered Coaching Coming in 2026

Google says new Fitbit hardware is coming in 2026

Maybe the Fitbit brand isn't dead after all? During a press preview of the revamped Fitbit app last week, Fitbit's head of product, Andy Abramson, nonchalantly hinted at new Fitbit hardware launching in 2026. This came as a bit of a surprise, given Google's penchant over the past few years for slowly sucking the life out of the Fitbit brand. Since acquiring Fitbit, Google has shuttered the Fitbit Sense and Versa smartwatch lines, ended support for Google Assistant across the Fitbit ecosystem, nixed popular Fitbit community features like challenges, and shuttered Fitbit.com, all while harvesting the best Fitbit technology and metrics for the Pixel Watch line. So, excuse me for thinking Fitbit was as good as dead. Here's everything you need to know about potential new Fitbit models in 2026, along with details on the new Fitbit app. Aside from the kid-centric Fitbit Ace LTE launched in 2024, we haven't seen a new Fitbit model since the debut of the Fitbit Charge 6 all the way back in October 2023. In the world of wearable tech, two years might as well be an eternity. While the Fitbit Charge 6 remains my top pick as the best Fitbit in 2025, its age is starting to show; for example, the screen feels downright tiny by today's standards. The same can be said for the wallet-friendly Fitbit Inspire 3, which debuted in September 2022. The question is, when Google says new Fitbit hardware is coming, does that mean an update to an existing Fitbit model, or an entirely new Fitbit form factor? My money is on the former. Though new Fitbit models may be relegated to kid-friendly devices only, I'm hopeful that 2026 will bring us a proper replacement for the Fitbit Charge 6. What might a Fitbit Charge 7 offer? My best guess is a larger and brighter display, a better GPS, the addition of an altimeter for elevation tracking, improved battery life, and possibly new health sensors and safety features! A Fitbit Inspire 4 will likely similarly offer a larger screen that's easier to interact with and updated holistic features. That said, I doubt the Inspire series will gain a GPS, as that's one of the biggest differentiators between it and the Charge series. In addition to new Fitbit hardware in 2026, Fitbit is also rolling out a completely overhauled Fitbit app, and you can take a preview of the new app for a spin starting on October 27. Most notably, the new Fitbit app seamlessly integrates a Gemini-powered AI wellness coach into a more visually appealing platform with friendlier graphs, more intelligently organized data, and enhanced user customization. While non-premium users will benefit from the aesthetic improvements, the AI coach is only for Premium users. However, it's not just for hardcore athletes; rather, the feature is designed to get to know you and help you improve your physical fitness, no matter your skill level or workout goals. For now, the overhauled app preview is only available for U.S.-based Fitbit Premium subscribers using an Android device. iOS folks will need to wait until "later this year" to take the new personalized AI features for a spin. It's also worth noting that Premium users will ultimately have the choice to opt in or out of Google's new AI coach feature. Those who choose to opt in will be presented with a five to ten-minute "onboarding chat" with the coach, where, using natural language, you share your current workout habits and goals, favorite physical activities, any injuries, gear, motivations, ect. Once complete, your new Fitbit AI coach is supposed to help come up with workout plans that suit your proclivities, while providing advice, insights, and motivation along the way. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the new AI-powered Fitbit app, including takeaways from the onboarding chat and a verdict on its overall usefulness.

Google's Fitbit revamp promises smarter coaching and longer battery life

Fitbit finally wakes up from its nap - and it's bringing AI coffee Remember Fitbit? Feels like ages since they released anything truly new, right? Well, the wait is almost over. Google just confirmed to 9To5Google that fresh Fitbit gadgets are coming in 2026. This is huge because Fitbit's own stuff (like the Sense and Versa) has been gathering dust since 2022. Yeah, the Pixel Watch has Fitbit tech, but it's not the same. The last real Fitbit was the Charge 6 back in 2023. Alongside the new hardware, they're also launching their big AI thing called the Fitbit Personal Health Coach. Think of it as a super-smart trainer on your wrist, giving you personalized tips for workouts, sleep, and just living healthier. Recommended Videos These new Fitbits will probably have that AI coach built right in, giving you custom workout plans and spotting health trends over time. It sounds like they're trying to find that sweet spot - smarter than a basic tracker, but way simpler and longer-lasting than a full-blown smartwatch like the Pixel Watch. Google's plan is to keep it simple So, Google's got the fancy Pixel Watch for people who want all the bells and whistles. But they're saying the new Fitbits are going back to basics. A top Google wearables guy, Sandeep Waraich, was quoted by Engadget in an interview last year saying people still want something small, low-key, that lasts for days on a charge, and is just easy to use. He even gave a shout-out to the Inspire line, which makes it sound like we're more likely to see things like an Inspire 4, a new Luxe, or a Charge 7 - classic Fitbit trackers, not big chunky watches. This totally fits Fitbit's old-school vibe: focus on fitness, nail the tracking, and don't make people charge it every single night. Is Fitbit back, or fading out? Honestly, this could be great news for all the people who just want a solid fitness tracker without the smartwatch headaches. If Google gets this right - simple, long battery life, plus some smart AI coaching - Fitbit could totally own that space again. But... there's a risk. If the AI stuff feels clunky, or if it starts feeling too much like a Pixel Watch Lite, people might just get confused. Is this a real comeback, or just Google slowly letting the Fitbit brand fade away? We'll see in 2026. If they nail it, Fitbit might just give people a really good reason to stick with a classic tracker instead of jumping to a smartwatch. Back to basics, but smarter. Could be cool.