As speculation grows about Apple potentially scrapping its plans for an AI-powered health service, Google is moving to fill the void by expanding its health AI coach to iPhone users, after it was previously limited to Android devices. Google announced that the Fitbit AI service, powered by the Gemini model, is now globally available to iPhone users through a Fitbit Premium subscription. The service functions as a comprehensive digital coach available 24/7, combining fitness guidance, sleep analysis, and personalized health tips. Usage begins with a brief conversation where the user sets their goals and motivations, after which the platform provides morning health summaries, post-workout guidance, and pre-sleep reminders. Thanks to generative AI technology, the service offers customized workout plans, fitness metrics analysis, and suggestions for improving sleep quality, along with tracking vital signs like heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen levels—provided a compatible smartwatch is used. The platform also features an integrated chatbot to answer questions related to health and fitness. Meanwhile, previous reports had indicated that Apple was working on a service called "Apple Health+" that would use AI to provide health recommendations based on user data. However, recent leaks suggest the company may have backtracked on a full launch and could instead roll out separate features gradually rather than unveiling a new subscription bundle. This means iPhone users interested in AI-powered health recommendations now have a ready-made option through Google's Fitbit ecosystem. Fitbit Premium starts at $9.99 per month. The service supports a range of Fitbit devices, including the Charge 6, Inspire 3, Sense 2, and Versa 4, as well as the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4. Google's expansion marks a new step in the intersection of AI and digital health, a rapidly growing field. For some, the digital coach could be a practical alternative for those who cannot access a personal trainer due to financial or logistical reasons. However, the issue of sharing sensitive health data with AI systems remains a topic of debate, especially amid concerns about accuracy and privacy. Regardless of technological advancements, experts stress that AI assistance does not replace a doctor's consultation, particularly in serious medical cases where human expertise remains crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
