Fitbit is launching its Gemini-powered AI health coach in preview tomorrow as part of an entirely redesigned app experience, initially available to Premium subscribers in the US on Android before expanding to iOS later this year.

The new health coach forms the foundation of a completely rethought Fitbit app rather than adding AI features to the existing platform.

The opt-in experience allows users to switch between the new and regular app at will during the preview period.

“Rather than bolting AI features onto the existing app, the health coach is offered as an opt-in experience wrapped up in a redesigned Fitbit app,” said Taylor Helgren, Fitbit product manager.

Onboarding involves a 5-10 minute chat (text or spoken) with the AI coach to establish goals and determine recommendation types.

The system creates weekly workout plans based on user input, Fitbit data (past and present), available equipment, and training preferences, whether building toward a 5K or developing a strength training routine.

Users interact with the coach through natural language to make adjustments and ask health and fitness questions, with conversations tracked in “coach’s notes.”

The coach adapts recommendations based on factors like injuries or schedule changes.

The app is not feature complete, with nutrition and cycle tracking on the roadmap for later addition.

Google states the health coach will be fully available “next year” without committing to a specific timeframe.

Given the wide-ranging AI integration and medical question capabilities, Fitbit engaged with internal and external clinicians and fitness experts plus an advisory panel to build a safety framework.

The coach is designed to refer users to healthcare professionals when necessary, addressing concerns about AI hallucinations in health contexts.

The health coach works with Fitbit trackers and watches, not exclusively with Pixel Watch.

Andy Abramson, Fitbit’s head of product, teased potential “new Fitbit hardware” as part of “an exciting year” ahead.

Access requires a Fitbit Premium subscription, which costs $14.99 monthly or $124.99 annually in Australia.

However, the AI health coach preview is initially limited to US subscribers, with international availability not yet announced.

The redesign represents Fitbit’s most ambitious AI integration, distinguishing itself from competitors by centring the entire app experience around conversational AI rather than adding surface-level AI features.

The approach contrasts with what some reviewers describe as “Captain Obvious-level summaries” from other wearable brands’ AI implementations.