When Google replaced the standalone Fitbit app with the new Google Health app earlier this year, many longtime Fitbit users were disappointed. Complaints poured in about the redesigned interface, missing features, and the introduction of an AI-driven coach. Now, Google has responded with a detailed list of changes that will roll out starting this week, addressing several of the most common frustrations.
Background: The Fitbit-Google Transition
Google acquired Fitbit in 2021 for $2.1 billion, promising to integrate its health and fitness tracking capabilities into Google’s ecosystem. The transition was gradual, with users given the option to migrate their accounts to Google. The new Google Health app, launched in early 2026, was intended to be the unified platform for all health data, combining Fitbit’s tracking with Google’s AI and data analysis. However, many users felt the app prioritized Google’s design philosophy over the simplicity and depth that made Fitbit popular.
The backlash was immediate. On social media and forums, users complained about the cluttered Today dashboard, the prominence of AI-generated text, and the removal of features like custom food logging and detailed sleep data. Some even threatened to switch to competing brands like Garmin or Apple. In response, Google took the unusual step of issuing a public apology and promising fixes.
Key Changes Announced by Google
In a recent blog post, Google outlined several updates coming to the Health app. The most significant changes revolve around customization. Users had complained that the Today dashboard only displayed their chosen health metrics in the top half of the screen, with the rest being filled with AI coach messages. Google will now allow users to more freely rearrange metrics, add or remove them, and even choose which metrics appear on the Today tab versus the Health tab. This should restore some of the control that Fitbit users valued.
Another major addition is custom food viewing, creation, and logging. The original Fitbit app had a robust food log that allowed users to create custom foods, add nutritional information, and scan barcodes. The Google Health app initially lacked this feature, forcing users to rely on a generic database. Google has now confirmed that custom food logging will be available, along with improved search and the ability to save meals.
Sleep tracking is also being refined. The new app will include a 24-hour total sleep overview that shows both main sleep periods and naps. Previously, naps were logged separately or not shown in the main sleep view. This change addresses a common complaint from users who take short naps during the day and want a comprehensive view of their rest.
For exercise tracking, Google is adding hourly step goals to the Today dashboard, allowing users to see their progress throughout the day in a chart format. This feature was present in Fitbit but was missing in the initial Health app release. Additionally, runs that were incorrectly labeled as general workouts will be properly classified, and run summaries will now include splits—distance and pace breakdowns per mile or kilometer.
Improvements to the AI Coach
The AI coach has been one of the most divisive additions. Some users appreciate the personalized insights, while others resent the long paragraphs of text that obscure their data. Google is making several adjustments: messages will become more concise while retaining helpful details; the coach will include more visuals like charts, maps, and glanceable statistics; and the system will be tuned to only send messages for meaningful activities—users can expect less commentary on brief walks or minor movements.
Google also acknowledged that the AI coach sometimes asks vague questions or provides advice without context. The company will improve the system’s ability to ask for user intent when more detail would enhance the response. This could make the coach feel less intrusive and more like a partner in health.
Account Migration Fixes
A particularly thorny issue has been account migration for families. Heads of families who manage child accounts under their Fitbit profile were previously unable to delete child accounts if they didn’t want to migrate those children to Google. This blocked the parent’s own migration. Google has announced that in June, it will allow deletion of child accounts, unblocking the migration process for affected families. This is a welcome fix for parents who prefer to keep their children’s data separate.
All these changes are expected to roll out incrementally. Google says the Today dashboard customization, hourly step goals, and run labeling fixes are available starting this week. The AI coach refinements and custom food logging will follow in the coming weeks. The child account deletion feature is scheduled for June.
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism from the Fitbit community. While many appreciate Google listening to feedback, some remain skeptical about the long-term direction of the app. The Health app is designed to integrate with other Google services like Google Assistant and Google Maps, which could offer valuable features but also raise privacy concerns. Google has reiterated that user health data is treated with strict privacy controls and is not used for advertising purposes.
As the updates roll out, users will be watching closely to see if Google can strike the right balance between innovation and the dependable, user-friendly experience that made Fitbit a beloved brand. The success of these changes could determine whether Google retains its foothold in the wearable health market against fierce competition from Apple, Samsung, and Garmin.
Source: The Verge News