The last Fitbit smartwatches we got were the Fitbit Sene 2 and Versa 4 , and we haven’t heard a single rumor about next-gen models since they launched in late 2022. Well, it turns out the next ‘Fitbit’ smartwatch has just launched – albeit unnamed. We’re talking, of course, about the Google Pixel Watch 3.
This isn’t just us saying that the new watch feels more like a Fitbit than ever thanks to an impressive suite of fitness features – even though Garmin has the Pixel Watch beaten to the punch by miles. This is Google itself admitting that the future of Fitbit watches lies as Pixel devices; a comment that comes following Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, which closed in January 2021.
In an interview with EngadgetSandeep Waraich (Google’s senior director of product management for Pixel Wearables) was asked directly if we’d see a Fitbit-branded smartwatch anytime soon. Waraich responded, “Pixel Watch is our smartwatch part of the portfolio,” adding that “Pixel Watches are our next iteration of smartwatch for Fitbit.”
You won’t get a clearer confirmation than this. In fact, Fitbit smartwatches are now Pixel Smartwatches, starting with the Google Pixel Watch 3.
Goodbye, Fitbit?
Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that Fitbit fitness trackers are also dying.
Instead, Wariach confirmed that these more discreet, simpler, longer-lasting fitness bands will be Fitbit’s focus going forward. The goal here is for Fitbit trackers to serve people who are health-conscious but don’t want a full-blown smartwatch, with Pixel devices replacing those looking for that more complex smartwatch upgrade.
It’s also worth noting that Wariach’s comments aren’t to say we’ll never see a Fitbit smartwatch again, but that’s not the brand’s focus right now. So maybe we’ll eventually get a Versa 5 or Sense 3 or something entirely new, but the chances seem very slim – so don’t hold your breath.
It’s always a little disappointing when technology changes, but the writing wasn’t on the wall. Both our Fitbit Versa 4 review and Fitbit Sense 2 review each gave the devices three stars – decent but far from stellar scores – while our Google Pixel Watch 2 review gave it four stars, and our other picks for the best smartwatches all fall into the four- to five-star category (as you’d expect).
So it makes sense to simply ditch those lesser models, roll their best tech into the Pixel Watch line, and focus on what Fitbit is best known (read: synonymous with): basic activity trackers.
It’s not yet clear how this strategy will play out. That said, things seem to be off to a good start. In our hands-on Google Watch 3 review , the new smartwatch looks set to be a strong contender for its rival smartwatches, though we’ll have to spend some more time with it to know for sure.