The ubiquitous Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps are staples on Android phones. But a new addition may be joining the ranks: Fitbit. Recent observations indicate this fitness app might become a preinstalled feature on future Android devices.
The Oppo Find X8, for example, already includes Fitbit preloaded as part of the Google app suite, effectively replacing Google Fit. This precedent suggests that more Android-based devices could follow suit. While Google acquired Fitbit in 2021 and has included it on all Pixel Watch iterations, the Oppo Find X8 represents a unique case for smartphone integration.
Currently, the Fitbit app remains available for download on Google Play for all Android users.
Screenshots taken from the Fitbit app, with data taken from the Google Pixel Watch 2. Fitbit app displayed on a smartphone.
The implications of another preinstalled Google app, especially one replacing Google Fit, are debatable. However, the existing prevalence of preinstalled Google apps like Search, Chrome, Gmail, Maps, Photos, and YouTube Music, combined with manufacturer-specific apps, already raises concerns for some users.
The potential inclusion of Fitbit as a standard preinstalled app on all new Android devices could coincide with major releases like the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, expected in January. This move could significantly bolster Google’s ecosystem and competitiveness in the health and fitness tracking market. Alternatively, a more gradual rollout could align with the launch of the Google Pixel 10 series anticipated next summer or fall.
