Fitbit’s AI Health Coach Now Available to iOS Users, Challenging Apple Health
In a significant development for health and fitness technology, Fitbit has expanded its AI-powered personal health coach to iOS users, marking a notable shift in the competitive landscape of digital wellness tools. This expansion comes at a time when reports suggest Apple is scaling back its own AI health initiatives, potentially altering the dynamics between these two tech giants.
Fitbit’s AI Health Coach: A Comprehensive Overview
Fitbit’s AI health coach, powered by Google’s Gemini AI, is designed to function as a 24/7 digital advisor, offering personalized guidance across various aspects of health and wellness. Users begin with a five to ten-minute conversation to outline their goals and motivations. Following this initial setup, the Fitbit app delivers tailored health insights throughout the day, including in the morning, after workouts, and before bedtime. The system crafts personalized workout plans, monitors key fitness metrics, and provides sleep analysis with actionable suggestions. Additionally, it tracks vital signs such as heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen levels, and includes a built-in chatbot to address health-related queries. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/10/google-fitbit-ai-health-coach-ios/?utm_source=openai))
Expansion to iOS and International Markets
Initially launched in October 2025 as a public preview for Android users in the United States, Fitbit’s AI health coach has now broadened its reach. The service is available to Fitbit Premium subscribers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Notably, this expansion includes support for iOS users, allowing a wider audience to access the AI-driven health coaching features. To utilize the service, users must have a Fitbit Premium subscription, which starts at $9.99 per month. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/10/google-fitbit-ai-health-coach-ios/?utm_source=openai))
Apple’s AI Health Initiatives: A Shift in Strategy
Concurrently, reports indicate that Apple is reevaluating its AI health plans. The company was reportedly developing an AI health coach as part of a broader Health+ service intended for a future iOS release. However, recent developments suggest that Apple is scaling back these plans. According to Bloomberg, Apple is no longer planning to launch the Health+ subscription service that would provide AI-driven health recommendations based on personal data. Some components developed for the health coach project may still be introduced as standalone features later this year. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/10/google-fitbit-ai-health-coach-ios/?utm_source=openai))
Implications for the Digital Health Market
The expansion of Fitbit’s AI health coach to iOS users signifies a strategic move by Google to capture a larger share of the digital health market. By offering a comprehensive, AI-driven health coaching service across multiple platforms, Fitbit positions itself as a formidable competitor to Apple Health. This development may prompt Apple to accelerate or refine its own health and wellness offerings to maintain its competitive edge.
User Experience and Accessibility
For users interested in accessing Fitbit’s AI health coach, the process involves a few key steps:
1. Subscription Requirement: An active Fitbit Premium subscription is necessary to access the AI health coach features.
2. Device Compatibility: The service is compatible with various Fitbit devices, including the Charge 6, Inspire 3, Versa 4, Sense 2, as well as Google’s Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4.
3. App Integration: Users can sign up for the Public Preview through the Today screen or Account Settings within the Fitbit app. The preview is rolling out over the next few days, so if the option to join is not immediately visible, users are encouraged to check back soon. ([community.fitbit.com](https://community.fitbit.com/t5/The-Pulse-Fitbit-Community-Blog/Fitbit-s-Personal-health-coach-is-now-available-for-iOS-Premium-users/ba-p/5811766?utm_source=openai))
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
The introduction of AI-driven health coaching services represents a significant advancement in personalized health and wellness technology. Fitbit’s proactive expansion into the iOS ecosystem not only broadens its user base but also sets a precedent for the integration of AI in health applications. As the digital health market continues to evolve, the competition between Fitbit and Apple may lead to more innovative solutions, ultimately benefiting consumers seeking comprehensive and personalized health guidance.
Conclusion
Fitbit’s expansion of its AI health coach to iOS users marks a pivotal moment in the digital health industry. As Apple reassesses its AI health strategies, Fitbit’s move underscores the growing importance of AI integration in health and wellness applications. This development not only enhances Fitbit’s competitive position but also signals a broader trend toward personalized, AI-driven health solutions in the tech industry.
