Google Health expands iOS integration

Google began rolling out its redesigned Google Health app on May 19, replacing the Fitbit app on iPhone and Android with a broader health-data hub that can pull in Apple Health data on iOS. The company said the app combines information from wearable devices, Health Connect, Apple Health and medical records in one place. Google also tied the relaunch to its Gemini-powered health coach, which is available through Google Health Premium. Existing Fitbit users are being upgraded automatically, according to Google's product pages. ### What changed for iPhone users this week? Starting May 19, the Fitbit app became the Google Health app, according to Google's Fitbit Help Center. On iPhone, that change matters because Google says the new app can bring in Apple Health data, extending the app beyond Fitbit-device owners. Google's May product post described the app as a centralized place for data from wearable devices, Apple Health and medical records. (support.google.com) The Help Center says users need a Google account to use the app on compatible iPhones, and Fitbit account holders must migrate to a Google account to keep access. Google said Fitbit accounts that are not migrated by July 15 will be deleted. ### Does this still require a Fitbit device? Google's support page for its personal health coach says the feature uses health data from paired Fitbit devices, user profiles and third-party apps. (support.google.com) That wording indicates Fitbit hardware is one input source, but not the only one, for personalized guidance. Google's launch post for the Google Health app also said it is bringing together data from Apple Health and other sources into a single place. (support.google.com) The company has not framed the iPhone experience as Fitbit-only. In its May launch materials, Google said the new app is designed to centralize wellness data and connect favorite apps, while the Gemini coach is part of the premium subscription tier. ### Where does Gemini fit into the app? Google said Google Health Coach launches globally beginning May 19 for Google Health Premium subscribers. (support.google.com) The company described it as an AI-driven service that provides fitness plans, sleep insights and medical record summaries on a phone. Google's support documentation says the coach delivers "personalized, proactive guidance and insights" using health data from devices and connected apps. (blog.google) A separate Google post from earlier this year said the coach was built with Gemini and was being expanded inside Fitbit's redesigned app experience. That feature is now part of the broader Google Health branding, alongside the app transition from Fitbit Premium to Google Health Premium. ### How broad is Google's health-data push? Google said the new app brings together wearable data, Health Connect, Apple Health and medical records, and that users will later be able to share data securely with friends, family and doctors. (blog.google) The company also said Google Fit users will begin migrating into the Google Health app later this year. On the hardware side, Google introduced Fitbit Air this month and said a Stephen Curry special edition will reach stores on May 26 at a price of $129.99, including a three-month Google Health Premium trial. (blog.google) The app rollout and the new device launch put Google's software and hardware health products on the same calendar. ### What should users watch next? May 26 is the next named milestone in Google's health rollout, when the Stephen Curry special edition Fitbit Air is due in stores. (blog.google) July 15 is the account deadline Google gave Fitbit users to migrate to Google accounts or lose access to their legacy Fitbit accounts. (blog.google)