- Google announces updates to the “Google Health” app and the screenless wearable tracker “Fitbit Air,” alongside the announcement of the new fitness tracker “Fitbit Edge.”
- Introduction of the new “Metal Mesh Band” for the “Fitbit Air.”
- Rollout of the health trend monitoring feature “Health Guardian” for “Fitbit Air” and “Fitbit Edge,” major improvements to automatic activity detection for “Fitbit Air,” “Fitbit Edge,” and “Google Pixel Watch 3 / 4 / 5,” and an expansion of partner app integrations for the “Google Health” app.
On Monday, October 12, 2026, local time, alongside the announcement of the new “Fitbit Edge” fitness tracker, Google announced updates to the “Google Health” app and the screenless wearable tracker “Fitbit Air.”
The announcements include the introduction of the new “Metal Mesh Band” for the “Fitbit Air,” the rollout of the “Health Guardian” feature to monitor changes in health status for the “Fitbit Air” and “Fitbit Edge,” major improvements to automatic activity detection for the “Fitbit Air,” “Fitbit Edge,” and “Google Pixel Watch 3 / 4 / 5,” and an expansion of partner app integrations for the “Google Health” app.
“Metal Mesh Band”
The “Metal Mesh Band” is a new band designed for the “Fitbit Air,” crafted from a flexible stainless steel mesh.
It conforms smoothly to the wrist with a design that feels like an accessory, making it suitable to wear from daytime to evening outings. It is available in two colors, “Champagne Gold” and “Polished Silver,” with a US price of $69.99.
Additionally, in the US, a bundle combining the “Champagne Gold” Metal Mesh Band with the “Obsidian” Fitbit Air will be available exclusively on the Google Store for $149.99.
Rollout of “Health Guardian”
The “Health Guardian” is a new suite of health and safety features that record minor long-term changes in health status.
Starting in late October 2026, it will be rolled out gradually to “Fitbit Air” and “Fitbit Edge” users subscribed to “Google Health Premium.” Upon meeting the monthly wear requirements, users will receive “Vascular Stress Level” and “Metabolic Stress Level” reports in the “Google Health” app at the beginning of each month.
The “Health Guardian” helps users notice bodily changes early and serves as an opportunity to review lifestyle habits. Furthermore, the “Google Health Coach” provides easy-to-understand explanations of pattern changes and offers reference information for adjusting fitness plans or consulting a physician.
Improved Automatic Activity Detection
Based on user feedback, automatic activity detection has also been significantly improved.
With the improved automatic activity detection, the number of detectable activities has expanded from the previous 10 types to over 100, now automatically detecting strength training, swimming, racquet sports, team sports, and more. In addition, decisions are made by taking into account routine workouts, past data, manually edited details, and location data (if permitted), approximately doubling detection accuracy and reducing missed recordings by more than half. When an elevated heart rate persists for a set duration (15 minutes by default), it is automatically recorded as a workout, and a summary typically arrives in the smartphone app within 30 minutes.
Furthermore, the more you review and correct detected activities, the better it learns your patterns and the more accurate it becomes. This improved automatic activity detection will roll out starting in late October 2026 for the “Fitbit Air,” “Fitbit Edge,” “Google Pixel Watch 3,” “Google Pixel Watch 4,” and “Google Pixel Watch 5.”
Expansion of Partner App Integrations
The “Google Health” app is also expanding its integrations with partner apps.
Google has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with Flo Health, the creator of the menstrual cycle tracking app “Flo.” Starting in early 2027, the “Flo” app will sync directly with the “Google Health” app, allowing users to receive more personalized insights tailored to their menstrual cycles and life stages.
Additionally, in the US, integration between Abbott’s over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM) “Lingo” and the “Google Health” app is coming soon. This will allow users to view blood glucose trends alongside diet, workout, and sleep data.
Test results from Function Health, a blood testing service in the US, will also be importable into the “Google Health” app starting in the later half of autumn 2026. Integration with the meal tracking app “MyFitnessPal” will also be enhanced, allowing “MyFitnessPal Premium” users to share more detailed food-by-food logs with the “Google Health” app.
Source: Google (https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/google-health/fitbit-google-health-updates/)