This update establishes a connection for iPhone users, ending a data-sharing gap that has existed since Apple introduced HealthKit in 2014.
For over a decade, Fitbit users on iOS faced a persistent wall. While the Google Health app could read data from an iPhone or Apple Watch, it couldn’t write Fitbit data back into the Apple ecosystem. That restriction ended this week with the rollout of two-way Apple Health syncing.
The update allows users to Share your data like your exercise records, sleep, vitals, steps, and more from Google Health to Apple Health
, according to release notes cited by 9to5Mac. This shift means Fitbit metrics are now available to other HealthKit-compatible apps, removing the need for the paid third-party bridging utilities that many users previously relied on to move their data.
Google Health 5.05 and the Fitbit Air Integration
This integration arrives as part of a broader transition. The Air is a screenless, lightweight tracker designed for 24/7 wear.
Because the Fitbit Air lacks a screen, it is heavily dependent on the phone app for data visualization. By allowing this data to flow into Apple Health, Google has made the hardware less dependent on its own proprietary interface. For those with a Google Health Premium subscription, the app also provides a health coach powered by Gemini.
Setup Process and Data Permissions
To enable the sync, users must install version 5.05 from the App Store. According to reporting from Iphoneincanada, users can choose from 20 different health categories to toggle on for syncing.
The flow of information is now bidirectional. While Fitbit data can leave Google Health for Apple Health, the app continues to import a wide range of metrics from the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Users can manage these permissions from either app. In Apple Health, the settings are found under the Sharing tab, then Apps, and finally Google Health. Some early users noted that write permissions may not appear immediately until the app is restarted or fully updated.
Remaining Gaps in Data Export and History
Despite the update, the sync is not exhaustive. Early testing reported by Gadgetsandwearables suggests that heart rate variability (HRV) is not currently exported to Apple Health, even though both platforms support the metric. This may be due to differing calculation methods between the two companies.
Similarly, proprietary Google metrics—such as Readiness and Cardio Load—are unlikely to transfer because Apple Health lacks equivalent data fields. There is also inconsistency regarding historical data. While some users report that reconnecting the service brings across more history, others have seen only recent information. Currently, Google Health imports up to three months of historical Apple Health data, with plans for longer history mentioned but not yet dated.
The rollout has outpaced Google’s own documentation. As of August 3, the company’s official support page still claims the app cannot write to Apple Health and suggests the feature will arrive later in 2026.
Smart Health Links and Medical Record Sharing
This feature allows for the sharing of medical records with family members or healthcare providers.
The Shift from Fitbit App to Google Health
The move to a unified Google Health app represents a significant shift in how Google handles wearable data. The transition in May was described as having a rocky rollout
by The Verge, as users raised concerns over the new AI health coach, user interface, and other issues. However, the addition of two-way syncing addresses one of the most requested features from the iPhone community.
This update effectively removes the “walled garden” feel for Fitbit users on iOS. By allowing data to flow freely into Apple Health, Google is acknowledging that many users prefer Apple’s platform as their primary health repository, regardless of which wrist-worn hardware they choose.
Worth a look
