Integrate with iOS Health

[so-rich]

Hi there,

I'm really excited about Apple's announcement of the Health App in iOS 8 to be release this fall.  I'm looking forward to seeing a product announcement by Fitbit for a successor to the recalled Fitbit Force, and I'm really hoping to hear some exciting news about Fitbits intigration with Apple's new Health App to be released alongside iOS 8 this fall.  

This is a huge oportunity to make your devices even smarter and more integrated - Please support these APIs!  Thanks!

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity and labels.

[marktunzi]

 Hi Fitbit, 

Its not that dificult to figure out why so many users want iOS 8 Health integration. The biggest benefit of the integration is that users can compare statistics about their health from diffrent sources. Like data from a workout app compared to your weight data. 

And since you have the data, the api and the ios developpers it wouldn't be very dificult to make it happen. 

[SunsetRunner]

It is a point to note, throwing away your current device achieves nothing... You have already bought the product... Fitbit has its profit. All that matters is word of mouth and when they roll a cool new product... Whether we buy it. Fitbit has the rep of being the best tracker available and apparently in the corporate minds they are arrogantly assuming that we can't/wont go elsewhere. Unfortunately for them many of us can and will... It may mean multiple apps and devices... But if they all feed into a central app ( HealthKit)... It doesn't matter.

I will continue with my already paid for devices and wait for products more tailored to my needs ( ie, future expenditures/ future profits) 

[Alacaeriel]

Well, I just told my mother about Apple's healthkit, what it entails, and the fact that some of the information, especially the parts relevant to us, are collected by Fitbit. And that Fitbit doesn't integrate with the HealthKit. 

Do you know what she said? "Well, there's no point getting a Fitbit then, is there?"

I also find it interesting that since iOS 8 came out, there has been far more advertising on television in Australia for the Fitbit Flex. They aren't mentioning the fact that it doesn't integrate, though. 

[jeremyj]

I am diabetic and use the iHealth Wireless Glucometer.  The Glucometer just released an update for Health.  I also own a Flex and Aria.  I want a Fitbit app that aggregates all my data.

Will be looking at the iHealth tracker and scale, and upcoming Razer Nabu.

I really am dissapointed in the Fitbit response to integrating with Health.

[local2180]

Yes, please add iOS health kit integration.  Ridiculous you make you customers go online and vote and comment  on this.  It should have been a released since day one.

[PetRock]

When Craig Federighi gave his presentation unveiling IOS8 on June 2nd he talked about Health.  Who was the first device that was pictured on his slides?  Fitbit.    What was the third device? Fitbit's Aria scale.  

Why do I feel this is important,  Apple just doesn't spring a surprise like this on a leading device and software developer.  Fitbit has known since before this presentation what was coming.  Who isn't pictured in these slides?  Jawbone, Garmin, and others.   Fitbit had a head start in knowing exactly what this software was.  What Apple's plans for it were.  Apple gave fitbit a bone and then decided to bury it in the backyard and say "you know what, we dont' want anything to do with this"   You could have had a great interaction.  You could have helped apple shape what healthkit has become, but instead you're ignoring it, and us. 

@allison, You are just a mouth piece for this, the messenger.  The people above you have made the decision and now you have to deal with the onslaught of angry fans.  My (our) anger isn't directed at you, it's those who make the decisions then hide in the shadows while you face the brunt of the hostility. 

[cawgijoe]

I'm going to add my surprise at Fitbit not integrating with the Apple Health app. Please re-consider. I have a new iphone 6 and a Fitbit One. I love the Fitbit One, but I also really like the idea of app integration and seeing everything in one spot on my iphone. I do use the Fitbit app which works well, but again the idea of having everything in one place is very nice.

Your competitors are jumping on the bandwagen and ignoring this is a big mistake in my view. There are alot of iphones out there. 

Please support the Apple Heathkit app.

I would even be happy to pay for this option, say the normal fee of .99 or even 1.99.

[renevelasquez]

This thread shows the contempt that the company has for its customers. Way to go ruining any goodwill with your adopters and influencers.

I have a feeling this will be a case study in future MBA classes unless they reverse the decision not to integrate Apple HealthKit quick smart and issue an apology.

Fitbit management the message is clear. Integrate or watch all future profits evaporate.

I for one, shall never and I repeat never buy another device from you

[midnightdavid]

I'd like to think the people in charge of this company are not idiots - they have made some wonderful products and must understand how important it is to treat your customers well. This leads me to only one possible reason for the change of heart on supporting Apple's Health app:

They are in negotiations to be purchased by one of Apple's competitors. Maybe Google. Maybe Samsung. Maybe Microsoft.  Somebody who badly needs good wearable tech to try to compete with the coming Apple watch. It is this possible buyer who will not permit the HealthKit integration.

[joubsters]

Please consider HealthKit integration. I have been a FitBit user for a year and a half and would like to continue using my Flex. I was considering buying the Apple Watch, but given the price I was unsure. I had hoped FitBit would integrate with HealthKit. Given the lack of integration and more options offered with the Apple Watch (heart rate monitoring, specifically), I am now leaning towards retiring my FitBit and purchasing an Apple Watch when it is released. Please reconsider your stance on integration. Many iPhone users are disappointed. 

[JenLinnea]

When my Flex wears out and I'm in the market for a new tracker, the ability to sync up with the Apple Health app will be a factor in that purchase, as will buying a tracker that has the features the Force had before I had to return it.  

Fitbit doesn't seem to care about retaining it's iPhone using customers that much if it won't even consider working with the new Health App.

[LarryM]

Fitbit can choose to ignore integration with Apple's Health App but at their own risk of watching customers migrate to other current and upcoming trackers. I have both the the One and the Misfit Shine. As many of you know, Misfit now integrates. Great!

If the Fitbit people see some logic to being a late adopter to the platform, they need to recognize their own soft underbelly. Their technology is not so proprietary that prevents others from leapfrogging. Far too many formally first place companies have seen their fortunes fade by trying to tell the customer what they want instead of the other way around. Listen to your base!

[naturemind]

FitBit's failure to integrate and push data to and from the Health app means its certain gradual decline in the iPhone / iOS world. I had thought more of the FitBit team than to simply sit on their laurels and say "good enough." So when time comes to consider my next fitness tracker, it will certainly be one that supports the Health app.

I am sorry that you feel your users' experiences aren't important enough to put forward effort to make them good experiences. Other companies surely will. I hope you reconsider before you lose it altogether. I've enjoyed my FitBit One so far, but it comes off just as easy as I put it on, and please remember that.

[ssmurphy]

So there is a new tracker comming from FitBit. If there is no data connection to Apple's Health Kit I would have to say its a NO SALE in my eyes.

http://gizmodo.com/fitbits-new-charge-could-track-your-heart-control-yo-1646142356

It's been over half a year since Fitbit recalled all of its latest Force wristbands, but it finally looks like a replacement is right around the corner. Of course, Fitbit isn't just releasing a new version of the Force. New FCC and patent filings suggest that the new Fitbit is something new and better.

Leaked product images indicate that Fitbit will soon be releasing two new models: the Charge and the Charge HR. The "HR" apparently stands for the addition of a heart rate tracking function, a key feature that Fitbits have been lacking in the past. Filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office also indicate that the new device will also feature navigation information, weather forecasts, call notifications, and volume control for your smartphone. That's on top of the regular pedometer, altimeter, sleep tracker, and calorie counter.

Of course, this is all just conjecture based upon rumors and paperwork. We won't know the specifics of the new Fitbit for certain until Fitbit announces them. However, since the FCC granted approval for a new "wireless activity tracker" from Fitbit, you can be sure something is on the way. And since two new Fitbit models called the Charge and Charge HR—priced at $185 and $220, respectively—have popped up on a Russian retailer's website, the rumors seem that much more likely. [FCC, USPTO, Ed Townsend via Engadget]

[jeremyj]

will also be an issue if there is Health on the new tracker and no Health on the existing trackers

[nyctravis]

I intially thought it was just taking awhile for fitbit to get the connection to HealthKit going, but when I read fitbit's response I realized something was amiss.  Worse, the communications have, at times, seemed just a touch snide or dismissive, which does not make me feel like a valued customer.  I'll be sure to share these sentiments with my friends & family who often look to me for recommendations. The health app is already becoming an important part of my routine and I will be seeking out products and services that work toward embracing that, rather than fighting it.

[danders1029]

Your failure to support iOS Health app seems very shortsighted.

I've enjoyed using the Fitbit and find the associated iOS app to be fine. Frankly, Apple's Health app is not particularly good or useful -- yet. However, when it becomes necessary to replace my current device, I will REQUIRE that any replacement  can interface with the iOS Health app, because I expect it to evolve and become useful, as the Passbook has. 

I will vote with my dollars.

[christopher67]

I really like my fitbit, but will abandon it if it can't support HK.  I really like the idea of HK, and the only reason Fitbit is not doing it, cause of the iWatch.  One more reason to move in that direction.

[Cecil]

I think this is a huge miss for FitBit by not aligning with Apple Health.  When it's time to replace my fitbit, I will only buy whatever is compatable with Apple Health...Fitbit, you are going to lose customers if you don't move quickly.

[Mimsterri1]

Definitely want FitBit to integrate with the Health app on iPhone 6!!

[roger24]

So your trying to decide if the apple watch is a substitute (competition) or a complement (share data).

Your asking the wrong question ... you already know you cant compete with apple, your R&D budget against theirs? in two years iwatch data will be a monster. 

The question is how does fitbit stay valid along side apple & healthkit, a lot of people love "their" watch Rolex, Accurist etc give us a solution.

[Sobekins647]

It's ridiculous that fitbit has not integrated with healthkit for iOS 8. Please provide integration with healthkit so I can have all of my data in one place or I will switch to another activity tracker that does integrate.  Activity trackers are a dime a dozen these days. If Fitbit won't someone else will. (Jawbone UP already does) Clock is ticking Fitbit.  

[PammySue]

It would definitely be a great thing for the FitBit App to interface with the new IOS 8 Health App.  I'm wondering which intelligent fitness tracker will be the first-- definitely a selling point for FitBit if it was the first.

---

@so-rich wrote:

Hi there,

I'm really excited about Apple's announcement of the Health App in iOS 8 to be release this fall.  I'm looking forward to seeing a product announcement by Fitbit for a successor to the recalled Fitbit Force, and I'm really hoping to hear some exciting news about Fitbits intigration with Apple's new Health App to be released alongside iOS 8 this fall.  

This is a huge oportunity to make your devices even smarter and more integrated - Please support these APIs!  Thanks!

---

[Anomoly]

This post has over 700 thumbs/votes up.... is there really anything else you need to move this forward? Has there been any other thread/post that has had this many responses/votes?

At the very least be honest about why this is not and/or cannot happen so that we can make an educated decision, or at the very least know if we are wasting our time.

Moderator edited for format

[zapleahy]

@Zephean Thanks for the feedback.

@jimmcq Thanks for laying all out there!

@phlsphr Happy to recap some of the top commentary for you. The following sentences distill what I perceive to be the top conversation trends around this topic within the forums. Even if you haven't read all 1000+ comments, this will probably resonate. 

Much of the feedback centers around the key data points (steps, distance, calories, weight, body fat) that Fitbit customers value and would simply like the possibility of viewing in harmony with other data points that have been imported or manually added to Health app, including glucose, blood, nutrition, and heart rate. Many participants in this discussion use a variety of apps to track their daily health and fitness, or manage challenging health conditions, and would find it valuable to be able to see all that data in one dashboard. 

There is a second strong and complimentary trend that suggests if Fitbit doesn't provide this (and soon), customers will take flight and search for the second best tracker from a company that has HealthKit integration to meet these new needs. 

I've also heard that Fitbit has long been appreciated for leading the wearables market and the fact that HealthKit integration isn't on the roadmap yet is an affront, and comes as a great surprise, to many of our early adopters who want and trust us to continue leading the charge. 

Others perceive this as an open data and data ownership issue that is influenced in some way by our Premium service.

Intertwined with all this is a hunger for more insight into the decision making process.

As for whether we're "reconsidering," there wasn't a "no" or "never" to begin with, so rather than consent that we are "reconsidering," I will say that we are continuing to evaluate the performance of the platform while focusing development resources and talent on the projects at hand. 

I understand that all this is a bit unnerving, and I sincerely thank all of you for continuing to voice your feedback in a civil, constructive manner.

For many of you, voting or commenting on this feature request was your first action in the Community. The fact that you jumped the registration hurdle, chose a username, and contributed to the discussion here proves how important this integration is to you and your Fitbit experience. So please also know that any time spent here placing your vote, reading through the comments, being entertained or annoyed, has not been wasted.

In the end, I hope you're all in a good mood, and will continue to do my part to get you there.