Google Expands AI Health Push With Support For Apple Watch And Rival Devices
Google has unveiled a series of artificial intelligence-powered health features aimed at strengthening its position in the growing digital health market, including plans to support devices made by rival companies such as Apple, Garmin, and Oura.
The tech company announced that its Fitbit app will be rebranded as Google Health from May 19, introducing a new AI-powered health coach designed to provide users with fitness insights, wellness summaries, and personalised health guidance.
According to Google, the AI assistant will analyse information from connected devices and health records shared by users to offer customised workout plans, sleep analysis, and wellness recommendations.
The company said the platform is intended to function like a virtual wellness team by helping users monitor fitness goals, sleeping habits, and other health trends.
Google Health General Manager Rishi Chandra said the goal is to make advanced health support accessible to everyday users rather than just professional athletes.
The company also announced a new wearable device called Fitbit Air, a screen-free wristband designed to work alongside the updated Google Health application.
Although Google currently trails companies such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei in the global wearable technology market, analysts say the latest move highlights the company’s broader ambition to compete in the AI health sector rather than focus solely on smartwatch sales.
The updated app will include an AI chatbot powered by Google’s Gemini models, allowing users to ask questions about their health data and receive personalised responses.
Google stated that many advanced features will require a separate Google Health Premium subscription.
The company also revealed plans to integrate its AI health assistant with data-sharing systems such as Apple HealthKit and Android Health Connect, enabling users to combine information from multiple health apps and wearable devices.
At present, the AI coaching feature mainly supports Fitbit and Pixel Watch products, but Google said compatibility with Apple Watch and other devices is expected later this year.
The expansion comes amid intensifying competition among major technology firms seeking to dominate the AI-powered healthcare space.
OpenAI recently introduced ChatGPT Health, while Microsoft launched Copilot Health earlier this year. Other companies including Samsung, Oura, and Whoop have also rolled out AI-generated health insights and fitness recommendations within their platforms.
Despite the rapid growth of AI health tools, some medical institutions have raised concerns about their reliability. Experts from organisations such as the Mayo Clinic and Duke University School of Medicine have warned that AI systems can sometimes provide inaccurate information and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
Google and other AI companies have repeatedly stated that their health-related AI tools are not designed to replace doctors or provide medical care.
