Google is set to revolutionize its fitness ecosystem on May 19 by rebranding its Fitbit app as Google Health. Alongside the debut of the new Fitbit Air fitness band, the company is rolling out an AI-powered health coach as part of its premium subscription service, aiming to provide a comprehensive wellness experience.
Strategic Shift in Fitness
The transition to the Google Health app marks a pivotal moment in the company’s fitness strategy. By building upon the 2021 acquisition of Fitbit, Google is effectively integrating its advanced data-tracking capabilities with its broader ecosystem of Android smartwatches, positioning the new app as the central hub for user wellness.
Personalized Coaching via Gemini AI
Powered by Google’s Gemini AI, the new health coach functions as a multifaceted advisor, blending the roles of a fitness trainer, sleep expert, and general wellness consultant. Following a successful public preview period that began last year, the service has been refined based on extensive user feedback to ensure more accurate and actionable insights.
Pricing and Availability
The Google Health Premium subscription, which replaces Fitbit Premium, will be available globally starting May 19 for $9.99 per month or $99 per year. Notably, existing subscribers of Google AI Pro and Ultra will receive access to this new health coaching service at no additional cost.
How the AI Coach Works
Upon onboarding, users provide details regarding their fitness goals, daily routines, available exercise equipment, and any relevant health history. The AI uses this data to tailor guidance. Furthermore, the coach supports natural language interaction, allowing users to update goals, log meals, dictate workouts, or upload health records via photos and files.
Integrated Holistic Health Insights
Accessible via the “Today” tab, the coach aggregates data from fitness trackers, sleep metrics, nutrition, cycle tracking, and, where applicable, U.S. medical records. To support this, Google has redesigned its existing features—including cycle tracking, nutrition, and mental well-being—to function seamlessly with the AI coach. The technology is also deeply embedded across the app’s Fitness, Sleep, and Health tabs to provide consistent, cross-functional guidance.
While the service launches initially for select Fitbit and Pixel Watch users, Google confirmed that support for other devices is forthcoming. Users without compatible hardware can still download the Google Health app, and the company intends to notify these individuals once the AI coach becomes available for their devices, though a specific timeline has not been disclosed.
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