Google confirms new Fitbit hardware for 2026

Google's subsidiary Fitbit has not introduced any new trackers or watches under its brand since 2023. This is set to change in 2026. According to the Fitbit team, an “exciting year” awaits.

The company announced this to 9to5 Google on the occasion of the recently released preview version of the “holistic AI-based health coach,” which can initially only be tested in the USA. Google states that it wants to “launch new Fitbit hardware next year.” In addition, the personalized health coach and the redesigned Fitbit app are to be rolled out to everyone next year.

The last Fitbit hardware was the Fitness Tracker Charge 6, which was announced on September 28, 2023, and was available from October 12, 2023. It was the first tracker with Google services like Maps and Google Wallet. The last Fitbit smartwatches, the Versa 4 and Sense 2, were already introduced in 2022. With the two Fitbit-branded smartwatches, Google had pulled the plug in favor of the Pixel Watches, which have now appeared in their fourth generation in early October. In 2024, Google did present the Fitbit Ace LTE for children, but it is not officially offered in Germany.

Will the Fitbit Charge 7 come?

Sandeep Waraich, product lead for Pixel wearables, confirmed to Engadget in August 2024 that there will be no more smartwatches under the Fitbit brand. At the time, he said Fitbit was focusing its development on “minimalist, durable trackers,” for which the brand has become synonymous.

In light of the Google manager's statement, it is indicated that Google is likely to introduce a successor to the Fitbit Charge 6 next year. Unlike a Pixel Watch 3 or 4, both of which are sold simultaneously at different price points starting at 280 and 400 euros, respectively, a refreshed, cheaper product like a Charge 7 would be suitable. The current Charge 6 tracker is currently offered by Google starting at 160 euros—on the open market for sometimes under 100 euros.

Apart from a lower entry price than the Pixel watches, other distinguishing features are a smaller size and longer battery life. With the always-on display switched off, the Charge 6 lasts about a week without needing to be plugged in. The current Pixel Watch 4 needs to be recharged after two days at the latest.

(afl)