Rumors are swirling, and it's easy to see why so many folks are worried about Fitbit’s future. You probably noticed news about Google changing things up lately or devices disappearing from shelves. Maybe your Fitbit got a weird notification, or you can’t find your favorite model online anymore. It’s confusing, right?
If you’re using a Fitbit, or you’re thinking of buying one, you’re not crazy for feeling concerned. Google did buy Fitbit a while back, and they've started making big changes. Some features have shifted, and a few older models aren’t getting updates like they used to. That’s led to people asking: Is Fitbit going away for good? Or is it just evolving?
Here’s the straight talk—Fitbit as a brand isn’t being totally ditched right now, but some shakeups are happening that you should know about before you upgrade your gear or buy a smartwatch for the first time. Let’s dig into what’s actually changing, what’s still around, and what your options are moving forward.
- Why Everyone’s Asking About Fitbit’s Future
- What Google’s Acquisition Means for Fitbit
- Which Fitbit Models Are Still Supported?
- Alternatives for Current Fitbit Users
- Tips for Transitioning to a New Fitness Tracker
Why Everyone’s Asking About Fitbit’s Future
People started getting anxious about Fitbit when headlines exploded in 2023: Google would start shutting down some Fitbit features and accounts. If you own a Fitbit, you might remember the January 2023 update, where Fitbit's long-running community features, including the challenges, open groups, and Fitbit Studio, went offline. If you relied on those, it was pretty disappointing.
The worries really kicked up a notch in early 2024. Google announced the Fitbit account transition. All users were given a deadline—by 2025, everyone must migrate their Fitbit account to Google. If you haven’t already switched, your old Fitbit login will soon stop working. That shook a lot of people, especially folks worried about privacy, data loss, or having to use Google products.
On top of all that, some Fitbit devices stopped getting software updates. Google officially ended support for devices like the Fitbit Ionic and the original Versa series. Retailers started clearing out inventory. It’s not just you—Fitbits often look sold out or missing from big stores these days. And if you check the Fitbit website, it’s mostly newer models like Charge 6, Inspire 3, and the Pixel Watch that you’ll see promoted front and center.
Check out this quick look at what’s changed recently with Fitbit:
| Update/Event | Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Community Features Removed | March 2023 | No more Challenges, Open Groups, or Developer Studio |
| Google Account Transition Announcement | April 2024 | All users must use Google accounts by end of 2025 |
| End of Support for Older Models | 2024 | Some devices like Ionic and Versa 1 no longer get updates |
| Pixel Watch Promotion | 2024-2025 | Pixel Watch now heavily marketed as main wearable |
What does all this mean? Basically, Google is shifting focus and resources. The brand isn’t dead, but it’s clear how you use Fitbit is changing. That’s why so many people are second-guessing their next move and searching for the facts before buying new gear.
What Google’s Acquisition Means for Fitbit
Back in early 2021, Google officially bought Fitbit for about $2.1 billion. That move got people talking—was Fitbit going to keep doing its thing, or would Google change everything? The plain answer: Google wanted Fitbit’s know-how in fitness, but also its user base and tech. They didn’t just want to sell more watches—they wanted to pull Fitbit’s health features into Google’s own plans.
Some changes popped up pretty quickly. Over time, you might have noticed new Fitbits asking you to log in with a Google account. That’s no accident. Google is combining its systems and wants everyone under the same login and privacy policies. If you own an older Fitbit, you probably saw notifications asking you to switch to using a Google account if you haven’t done it yet.
In 2024, Google started to fold Fitbit more firmly into its broader line-up. For example, you saw the launch of Pixel Watch 2, heavily advertised with Fitbit’s health tracking as a big selling point. They’ve stopped adding new features to some older Fitbit models and moved their focus to newer devices and deeper connections with Android phones. The Fitbit app also got some updates, but a few features from the older days, like certain community group functions, started disappearing.
It’s important to realize Google says they’re not dropping support overnight—but they have announced that by 2025, new Fitbit devices will need a Google account to work at all. The company claims this will improve security and keep everything under one roof, but for folks using older Fitbits, it might feel like a forced switch or even a push to upgrade.
Big picture: Fitbit’s name is still around, but it’s becoming more of a Google feature than a separate brand. If you’re buying a new fitness tracker, expect it to be branded either as Google Pixel or as a Fitbit “with Google inside”—and expect Google’s privacy rules and terms to apply to all your data.
Which Fitbit Models Are Still Supported?
If you’re worried about your Fitbit randomly stopping, you’re not alone. After Google took over, there were legit concerns about which models would keep getting updates and which would basically end up as fancy wrist candy. As of May 2025, it’s not all doom and gloom—many devices are still kicking, but some lines have definitely been dropped.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s still getting support:
- Fitbit Charge 6 – The latest in the Charge series, still getting regular updates and works with the Fitbit app.
- Fitbit Versa 4 – Supported, including bug fixes and some new features as Google pushes out updates.
- Fitbit Sense 2 – Also still going strong, especially with health and heart monitoring features.
- Fitbit Inspire 3 – Good for folks who want something simple. Still gets security and basic software updates.
- Fitbit Ace 3 – The kid-friendly option, still being sold and receiving maintenance updates.
Models that have lost official support (which means no security updates, bug fixes, or guarantee of working with new smartphones):
- Fitbit Ionic (recalled for battery issues in 2022)
- Fitbit Versa (original and Versa Lite)
- Fitbit Alta, Alta HR
- Fitbit Zip
- Fitbit Flex series
- Fitbit One
- Fitbit Surge
Here’s a simple table showing the official support as of this year:
| Model | Support Status (2025) | Latest Update Month |
|---|---|---|
| Charge 6 | Supported | May 2025 |
| Versa 4 | Supported | April 2025 |
| Sense 2 | Supported | March 2025 |
| Inspire 3 | Supported | February 2025 |
| Ace 3 | Supported | January 2025 |
| Versa 3, Sense (1st gen), Luxe | Limited Support | 2024 (Bug and security fixes only) |
| Ionic, original Versa, Alta, Zip, Flex, One, Surge | Discontinued | N/A |
If you’re buying a Fitbit right now, stick with the latest models so you don’t get left behind. Google keeps rolling out bug fixes and app updates for these, and you’ll get the newest smartwatch features too. It’s smart to double-check official support announcements on Fitbit’s help page before picking up a new device, especially if you’re eyeing older stocks online.
Alternatives for Current Fitbit Users
Wondering what to do if your Fitbit is losing support or not meeting your needs? You’re not alone. Tons of folks are starting to look for different options, especially since Google shifted the lineup and retired models like the Sense and Versa 3 from their own store. Nobody wants to feel left behind with an outdated tracker. Thankfully, there are some reliable brands worth checking out.
Garmin is at the top of a lot of lists for people switching from Fitbit. Their devices track everything from steps to sleep—even workouts like indoor cycling or yoga. Models like the Garmin Vivosmart 5 and Forerunner 55 are pretty popular. Garmin’s app has a strong reputation for being accurate and not too tricky to use. Plus, their batteries usually last longer than some smartwatches with lots of bells and whistles.
If you’re an iPhone user, it’s almost a no-brainer: the Apple Watch makes switching smooth. Every Apple Watch since the Series 3 comes with solid fitness tracking, and their Health app is packed with details. It also syncs with tons of other apps and picks up notifications right on your wrist. Just don’t expect amazing battery life—it’s about a day and a half for most models.
Samsung Galaxy Watch is another big name, especially for Android users. It tracks activity, heart rate, sleep, and even stress. Their Galaxy Watch 6 is well-reviewed for being easy to use and offering good app support. And if you want a simple, affordable tracker without smart features, look into the Xiaomi Mi Band series. It does the basics, lasts weeks on a charge, and costs way less than high-end smartwatches.
"After Google’s changes to Fitbit, we’ve seen more users consider alternatives like Garmin and Apple Watch," says wearable tech analyst Jessica Chen at TechRadar. "It’s smart to look at what you really need—battery life, sports tracking, or phone integration—as the new priorities."
Here’s a quick checklist if you’re weighing your options:
- Decide what you care about most—detailed fitness data, battery endurance, smart features, or price.
- Check compatibility with your phone—Apple Watches with iPhones, most others work with both Android and iOS.
- Make sure syncing your old Fitbit data is possible if you want to keep your health history (Google’s still supporting Fitbit accounts for now, but that could change).
- Browse in-person if possible. Try on different sizes—they really do feel different.
- Ask friends or check reviews for real-world feedback before you buy.
With a bit of research, you’ll find a solid replacement and keep tracking your steps, sleep, and workouts without skipping a beat.
Tips for Transitioning to a New Fitness Tracker
Switching from Fitbit doesn’t have to be a hassle, but it does help to have a game plan. With all the buzz around different brands and new models, you want to pick a tracker that fits your routine and gives you the data you care about most. Let’s talk practical steps to make the switch smooth.
- Fitbit account data: First, make sure to download your Fitbit health data. Fitbit lets you export your info—just go to your account dashboard online, hit “Settings,” and look for “Data Export.” Don’t wait too long if you know you’ll be making a move, since Google could change policies again later on.
- Check ecosystem compatibility: If you’re into using Apple Health, Google Fit, or Samsung Health, make sure your next tracker plays nice with your favorite apps. Some wearables can send data straight to these services, but others are picky. For example, Garmin syncs well with both Apple and Android, while Apple Watch really prefers Apple-only everything.
- Look for killer features: Make a list of what you love (or hate) about Fitbit. Heart rate accuracy? Sleep tracking? Easy band swaps? Not every fitness tracker does it all. Some, like WHOOP, are all about recovery, while others, like Huawei or Amazfit, focus on battery life.
- Read real reviews: Don’t just trust the company ads. Check YouTube, Reddit, or fitness blogs for real-life feedback. Watch for remarks on battery life, comfort, brightness, or customer support. A good tracker on paper isn’t always great on your wrist.
- Try before you buy: Stores like Best Buy often have demo units, so you can check comfort and screen size in person. If you’re debating between brands, wearing one even for a few minutes can save a lot of regret later.
Worried about losing your stats? Most top fitness apps let you manually enter your old steps or weight, though some like MyFitnessPal can even import from exported files if you want to keep your history going strong. Some tools—like FitnessSyncer or Health Sync—can help bridge the gap between platforms by transferring data from Fitbit to Google Fit, or even Apple Health, but check privacy terms first.
| Brand | Key Features | Battery Life | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin | GPS, advanced sports tracking, long-term updates | Up to 14 days | $129 |
| Apple Watch | Health/ecosystem integration, ECG, app store | 18 hours – 36 hours | $249 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch | Android/google fit support, sleep tracking | Up to 7 days | $199 |
| WHOOP | Strain & recovery, subscription-model | Up to 5 days | $30/month |
| Amazfit | Budget-friendly, long battery, basic tracking | 7–30 days | $59 |
Final tip: Don’t toss your old Fitbit just yet! You might need it as a backup for a bit while you adjust or transfer historical data. And double-check any trade-in deals—some brands offer discounts for recycling your old device.
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