Google's new $100 Fitbit Air has no screen — and it's brilliant

Google's Fitbit Air costs $100 and launches May 26, targeting Whoop with a screenless design and Gemini-powered health features. As reported by Engadget, Google is also rebranding the Fitbit app to Google Health and shutting down Google Fit by the end of 2026.

What is the Google Fitbit Air?

The Fitbit Air marks Google's direct challenge to Whoop's dominance in screenless fitness tracking. At $100, it's positioned as a minimalist wearable that focuses on continuous health monitoring without the distraction of a display.

The device represents a significant departure from traditional Fitbit designs. By removing the screen, Google is betting that users want pure data collection rather than constant visual feedback — the same philosophy that made Whoop popular among serious athletes.

Compared to top best fitness trackers, the Air prioritises background monitoring over active engagement. This approach mirrors Whoop's design philosophy of background data collection without active engagement.

How does Gemini AI change fitness tracking?

Google's Gemini AI powers a new Health Coach feature that provides personalised fitness and wellness guidance based on your data. According to Google, the AI can analyse sleep patterns, activity levels, and recovery metrics to offer tailored recommendations.

The Health Coach differentiates itself from basic fitness insights by understanding context. Instead of just telling you to move more, it might suggest specific recovery activities based on your recent workout intensity and sleep quality.

This AI integration puts Google ahead of traditional fitness tracker manufacturers who rely on basic algorithmic insights. The technology is one of the first Gemini-powered features rolled out across Google's fitness ecosystem, replacing legacy insights from next-gen wearables that emphasise AI-driven health recommendations.

What's happening to Google's health apps?

Google is rebranding the Fitbit app to Google Health as part of a broader ecosystem consolidation. The rebrand isn't just cosmetic — it signals Google's intention to unify all health services under one platform.

More significantly, Google Fit will be shut down by the end of 2026. Current Google Fit users will need to migrate to the Google Health ecosystem, which means potential data transfer challenges and learning new interfaces.

The consolidation may create short-term disruption. Users who prefer Google Fit's simplicity over Fitbit's more complex interface may find the transition jarring.

How much will Google Health Premium cost?

Google Health Premium (formerly Fitbit Premium) now costs $99.99 annually, up from $79.99 — a 25% price increase that reflects the added Gemini AI features. The subscription includes advanced health insights, personalised coaching, and premium workout content.

The price bump positions Google's service closer to Whoop's $30 monthly subscription ($360 annually). However, Google's offering includes the device purchase separately, whilst Whoop bundles hardware and software.

The pricing change brings Google's annual subscription closer to Whoop's $360-a-year model. Several affordable options now offer similar basic tracking without subscription requirements.

How does the Fitbit Air compare to Whoop?

The Fitbit Air targets users seeking a Whoop alternative or those who want Google's AI health features without a screen. At $100, it's significantly cheaper than Whoop's hardware plus subscription model.

However, the lack of UAE pricing and availability details creates uncertainty for regional buyers. Google's track record with regional rollouts suggests UAE availability might lag behind the May 26 global launch.

Consider waiting if you're happy with your current tracker. The real test will be whether Gemini's Health Coach delivers genuinely useful insights or just repackaged data you already get from basic fitness apps.

Fitbit Air pricing and availability

The Fitbit Air costs $100 globally and launches May 26. Google hasn't announced UAE pricing or local availability dates, though previous Fitbit launches typically reach the UAE within 2-3 months of global release.

Google Health Premium costs $99.99 annually worldwide. UAE users can expect similar pricing in AED, likely around Dhs 365 based on current exchange rates and Google's regional pricing patterns.

Google hasn't confirmed specific UAE retail partners or launch timelines for the Middle East market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Google Fitbit Air?

The Google Fitbit Air is a $100 screenless fitness wearable that competes directly with Whoop, featuring Gemini-powered AI coaching through the Google Health app.

When will the Fitbit Air be available?

The Fitbit Air launches globally on May 26, though UAE availability and local pricing haven't been announced yet.

What is the Google Health app?

The Google Health app is the rebranded Fitbit app that serves as the companion for Fitbit devices and includes new Gemini AI features like Health Coach.

What is happening to Google Fit?

Google Fit will be shut down by the end of 2026, with users encouraged to migrate to the Google Health ecosystem for continued service.

How much does Google Health Premium cost?

Google Health Premium now costs $99.99 annually, up from the previous Fitbit Premium price of $79.99, reflecting the addition of Gemini AI features.

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