Google is refreshing the Fitbit app experience on Wear OS, beginning with the Pixel Watch lineup. This update adopts the new Material 3 Expressive (M3E) design style a visual overhaul that emphasizes vibrant colors, fluid motion, and clearer layouts. The change is part of a broader design shift across Google’s smartwatch ecosystem, set to culminate with the release of Wear OS 6.
What is Material 3 Expressive?
Material 3 Expressive is Google’s latest design direction for Android and Wear OS. It builds upon Material You, but adds more depth, personality, and responsiveness. On Wear OS devices, M3E focuses on:
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Bold Colors and Gradients – replacing flat designs with layered, shaded icons.
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Smooth, Curved Animations – optimized for round smartwatch screens.
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Enhanced Readability – larger, cleaner typography like Roboto Flex.
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Dynamic Layouts – adapting to different display shapes and watch faces.
For wearables, this design ensures that vital health data, notifications, and controls are easier to view and interact with during quick glances.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Update Type | Material 3 Expressive redesign for Fitbit on Wear OS |
| Key Changes | Gradient icons, bold tiles, multicolor graphs, smoother animations |
| Pixel Watch App Version | 3.5.0 (Android) |
| Fitbit App Version | 3.40+ (Wear OS) |
| Rollout Method | Phased, server-side activation |
| Confirmed Devices | Pixel Watch 1, 2, and 3 |
| Future Platform Update | Wear OS 6 with Gemini AI and further M3E design integration |
| Official Site | Google Wear OS Blog |
Fitbit App’s New Look on Pixel Watch
Refreshed App Icons
In the new rollout, Fitbit’s Wear OS app icons have transitioned from solid-colored silhouettes to gradient-filled icons on white backgrounds. This lighter approach adds visual depth and makes icons easier to identify at a glance.
Updated icons include Fitbit Exercise, Fitbit Relax, and Fitbit Today visible in both icon-only and list views in the app drawer.
Redesigned Tiles
Material 3 Expressive tiles are also on the way, though not all are active yet. The updated tiles use larger and bolder elements, making step counts, heart rate, and sleep data more prominent. Progress indicators now wrap subtly around icons instead of forming thick circular rings, and step goal tiles focus more on what remains rather than what’s completed.
Cleaner Graphs and Data Displays
Graphs such as those tracking sleep or heart rate now use multiple colors and stretch across the display for improved readability. This not only makes the data easier to digest but also feels more polished compared to the older, muted style.
Rollout Details
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Pixel Watch App Version: 3.5.0 (Android)
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Fitbit Smartwatch App Version: 3.40+
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Rollout Method: Server-side activation (phased release)
Even if your Pixel Watch apps are updated to the latest versions, the new UI may not appear immediately. Google is enabling the redesign in stages via a server-side switch, so some users will see it before others.
The changes are currently confirmed on Pixel Watch models 1, 2, and 3. Wider availability is expected once Wear OS 6 launches later this year.
Connection to Wear OS 6
The Fitbit update is part of Google’s preparation for Wear OS 6 a significant platform update expected in summer or fall 2025.
Key Wear OS 6 features include:
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System-wide Material 3 Expressive design
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Integration of Google’s Gemini AI assistant
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Improved battery efficiency (estimated +10%)
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More customizable watch faces with third-party support
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Enhanced tile interactions and animations
This wider redesign effort is already visible in other Google apps on Wear OS, such as the Phone and Messages apps, which have been refreshed in recent weeks.
Why This Matters for Users
This redesign is more than just a cosmetic upgrade it’s aimed at improving usability. By making data easier to see and navigation more fluid, Google is enhancing the experience for everyday use, from workouts to quick glances at your health stats.
It also unifies the look and feel across devices, meaning your smartwatch interface will more closely match the updated designs rolling out to Google’s mobile apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why don’t I see the redesign yet?
A: It’s a phased server-side rollout. Even with the latest app versions, you may need to wait until Google activates the new UI for your account.
Q2: Which devices get the update first?
A: Pixel Watch models 1 through 3 are receiving the changes now, with broader support coming later.
Q3: Is anything changing in Fitbit features?
A: No new features have been added in this update it focuses purely on design and usability improvements.
Q4: Will the phone Fitbit app get the same redesign?
A: The Android companion app has already been updated in some areas, but full Material 3 Expressive integration may come later.
Q5: When is Wear OS 6 launching?
A: Google is expected to release Wear OS 6 in summer or fall 2025, likely coinciding with the launch of the Pixel Watch 4.
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