Google has finally addressed one of the biggest frustrations for Fitbit users on iPhone.
The latest Google Health 5.05 update allows health and fitness data collected by Fitbit devices to sync directly with Apple’s Health app. This eliminates a long-standing limitation that previously only allowed information to flow in one direction.
Until now, iPhone users could import data from Apple Health, HealthKit and Apple Watch into Google Health. However, they couldn’t send Fitbit-recorded information back to Apple’s platform without relying on third-party apps, a restriction that dates back more than a decade. This happened after Fitbit chose not to support Apple’s HealthKit framework when it launched in 2014.
With version 5.05, supported Fitbit data including workouts, step counts, sleep tracking and other health metrics can now be shared with Apple Health automatically. The feature is available through the Partner apps section within the Google Health app. Here users can connect Apple Health and decide exactly which categories of data they want to sync.
There are still a few limitations, however. Not every health metric is currently supported. Reports suggest that heart rate variability (HRV) is among the data types that don’t yet transfer between the two platforms.
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The update marks another step in Google’s efforts to improve the experience following the transition from the standalone Fitbit app to Google Health earlier this year. Improving compatibility with rival ecosystems has been a frequent request from Fitbit users. This is especially true for those who use an iPhone but prefer Fitbit’s hardware for fitness tracking.
Google Health 5.05 also introduces another notable feature, although it’s currently limited to the US. Smart Health Links lets users share medical records stored in Google Health with healthcare providers or family members using either a URL or QR code, making it easier to access important health information when needed.
While Apple Health and Fitbit have historically been reluctant partners, this update makes life considerably easier for users who want to take advantage of both ecosystems without juggling multiple apps or relying on third-party syncing tools. It also brings Google Health closer to the seamless cross-platform experience many Fitbit owners have been asking for.