Fitbit Expands AI-Powered Health Coaching to New Markets, Opens Public Preview to iOS Users
Fitbit is broadening access to its AI-powered personal health coach, rolling it out to users in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Simultaneously, the company is opening its Public Preview to iOS users, bringing the feature to iPhone owners in these new regions as well as the United States. This expansion marks a significant step for Fitbit’s most substantial update to date, leveraging artificial intelligence to provide a more personalized and conversational health experience.
The personal health coach, initially launched in Public Preview for Android users in October, aims to go beyond simple data tracking. It actively engages users in conversation, asking questions to understand their goals and providing tailored guidance. This approach, powered by Google’s Gemini AI model, is designed to create a more supportive and effective path toward improved health and wellness.
For iOS users eager to try the new feature, access is being granted through the Today tab or settings within the Fitbit app. The rollout to iOS is expected to occur over the next few days, though availability may vary. To participate, users must have a Fitbit Premium subscription, iOS 16.4 or higher, and meet other eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old. Detailed requirements can be found in Fitbit’s support documentation.
The core functionality of the health coach revolves around establishing a multi-week plan tailored to individual needs. The AI coach initiates a dialogue to understand user objectives, such as increasing daily steps or improving sleep patterns. This conversational interface is intended to make the experience feel less like following a rigid program and more like receiving personalized support. Android Central’s Derrek Lee, who has been testing the coach for a month, noted that it’s a promising step towards making Fitbit his primary fitness application.
Once set up, the coach provides AI-generated insights within the Today tab, offering data-driven recommendations. A dedicated “Ask Coach” button provides readily available access to the AI for ongoing support and guidance. The setup process itself involves a conversational onboarding experience, allowing the AI to learn about the user’s lifestyle and preferences.
Fitbit’s move into AI-driven coaching aligns with broader trends in the fitness technology space. Apple has also been expanding its AI capabilities within Apple Fitness+, recently unveiling an “AI Revolution” and expanding its service to 28 additional countries, including support for Spanish, German, and Japanese. Peloton, too, is integrating AI with its new Peloton IQ platform and a series of cross-training products. This indicates a growing recognition of the potential for AI to personalize and enhance the fitness experience.
While the Fitbit personal health coach is still in Public Preview, early feedback suggests it offers a valuable tool for users seeking deeper insights into their health data and more personalized guidance. As Derrek Lee observed, despite some areas for improvement, Fitbit appears to be on the right track with this new experience. The success of this feature will likely depend on Fitbit’s ability to refine the AI’s conversational abilities and provide increasingly relevant and actionable recommendations.
The expansion of Fitbit’s personal health coach represents a significant investment in AI-driven wellness. By bringing this feature to more users and platforms, Fitbit is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of personalized fitness technology. The coming weeks will be crucial as Fitbit gathers feedback from a wider user base and continues to refine its AI-powered coaching experience.
