The future of Fitbit's standalone smartwatch lineup remains unclear following Google's recent announcement that the Pixel Watch is the company's primary focus for wearable technology.
While the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 continue to be available for purchase, the absence of any planned sequels suggests a potential phase-out.
If you were eagerly awaiting the next generation of Fitbit smartwatches, this latest news from Google might disappoint you. We have yet to see what the tech giant is planning for this particular wearable line.
The End of an Era for Fitbit Smartwatches
Fitbit, which was acquired by Google before the launch of the Sense 2 and Versa 4, seemed like a natural companion to the Pixel Watch.
Initially, it appeared that Google kept these Fitbit-branded devices as a backup plan while it developed its own smartwatch line. However, a top executive at Google has now confirmed that the Pixel Watch represents the future of smartwatches within the Fitbit ecosystem.
According to a statement given to Engadget, the official said that the next iteration of the smartwatch for Fitbit will be the Pixel Watch. Without any question, this signals that Google will be focusing on the Pixel Watches.
This clear shift in strategy leaves little room for doubt. Although the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 are still available for purchase through Google and other major retailers, these products may soon be discontinued. What's more, there are no plans to release direct sequels, suggesting a significant change in direction for Google's wearable technology.
Related Article: Can Google Surpass Expectations With Pixel Watch 3? Here's Why It Will Be Better Than Previous Model
Is This the End for Fitbit-Branded Smartwatches?
While Google seems intent on phasing out the Fitbit name in the smartwatch market, it's too early to declare a permanent end to Fitbit-branded watches.
Google has a history of revisiting and reviving product lines after extended pauses. For instance, the company took a break from developing in-house tablets in 2018, only to re-enter the market with new products and a revamped operating system years later. This history suggests that while Fitbit smartwatches may be taking a hiatus, a future revival isn't out of the question.
Importantly, the Fitbit brand itself isn't disappearing. Google continues to support the Fitbit app and Fitbit Premium services, ensuring that existing users can still rely on these platforms for their health and fitness tracking needs. Additionally, Fitbit's lineup of fitness trackers, including the Inspire 3, Ace 3, Luxe, and the recently launched Charge 6, remains strong.
Google has even hinted that the "Inspire line" is a particular point of pride, suggesting that an Inspire 4 could be in the works, according to Phone Arena.
The Future of Fitbit in Google's Vision
While the focus has shifted away from Fitbit-branded smartwatches, other Fitbit products continue to thrive. The Fitbit Ace LTE, a kid-friendly smartwatch, is one such example. Despite being technically classified as a smartwatch, its niche market and relatively recent release suggest that Google will continue to support this device for the foreseeable future.
Google's strategy seems clear: the Pixel Watch is the future of smartwatches under the Fitbit umbrella, while traditional Fitbit smartwatches like the Sense and Versa series are being phased out. However, Fitbit's presence in the wearable market remains strong, particularly in the fitness tracker segment, leaving the door open for potential new developments.
Whether or not Fitbit smartwatches make a comeback, Google's current focus is on integrating the best of Fitbit into the Pixel Watch line, creating a unified and robust offering in the wearable tech space.
