Forget Whoop: A screenless ‘Fitbit Air’ could arrive this summer — and cost just $99

Rear of the Fitbit Inspire 3 up-close on a red background; the new Fitbit Air could cost the same as the Inspire 3 ($99)
(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)

Fitbit has been a Google brand for roughly five years, and in that time, the big ‘G’ has shuttered the Fitbit smartwatch range, killed some of the best Fitbit community features, and even removed useful apps, like Google Assistant, from still-support devices.

Outside of the Fitbit Ace LTE — a wearable designed with kids in mind — there hasn’t been a new Fitbit since 2023’s Fitbit Charge 6. That could all change in the next few months, as rumors of a new Fitbit model reach a fevered pitch. There is, however, a slight catch.

Here’s everything we know so far about the rumored Fitbit Air, including possible features and design, a potential launch date, price, and more.

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Fitbit Air — Biggest rumors

  • Rumored to be a screen-free, band-style fitness tracker
  • First teased in early April 2026 by U.S. basketball star Steph Curry
  • Images suggest a lightweight, wearable, possibly available in a range of colors and strap types, including some sort of woven material
  • Likely to offer basic workout, movement, and sleep tracking features
  • Battery life could exceed two weeks
  • Tipped for a mid-May 2026 debut
  • Possible $99 launch price; likely subscription-free for core features

Fitbit Air — Possible price and release date

According to an insider report from 9to5Google, the Fitbit Air could debut as soon as May 16th with a launch price of $99. That's the same cost as the entry-level Fitbit Inspire 3.

More importantly, unlike the biggest player in the screenless, wrist-based tracker market, Whoop, Google will likely offer most of the Fitbit Air's core features without a subscription fee.

By comparison, the Whoop 5.0 is either $199 to $349 annually, depending on how extensive you want your training insights. That said, the device itself is technically free with a subscription commitment.

Fitbit Air — Rumored design

doing an ECG reading on the Whoop MG

(Image credit: Future)

Based on the images shared on Steph Curry's Instagram, the Fitbit Air appears to be a diminutive tracker on a woven cloth strap, and a somewhat similar design to the Whoop 5.0.

According to retail info first reported on by DroidLife, the Fitbit Air could be available in a wide range of strap types and styles, including both cloth, silicone, and mesh metal options, with colors like 'Obsidian,' 'Lavender,' and 'Berry' on offer.

Fitbit Air — Possible features

The sensors on the Garmin Vivosmart 4 fitness tracker

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Given the rumored $99 price tag, the Fitbit Air will probably offer fairly basic fitness and health tracking insights, including a range of workout tracking modes, sleep and recovery insights, daily movement tracking with reminders, heart health insights, and women's health tracking.

That said, given the fact that it's being backed by a famous pro athlete, it's entirely possible that the device is capable of more advanced fitness training tools, advice, and metrics. Those, perhaps, will be locked behind some sort of monthly Google Health subscription.

No word on battery life, but the lack of a screen should result in solid longevity. The Whoop 5.0, for example, lasts for two weeks per charge. I reckon Google will aim to match or beat this rating with the Fitbit Air.

Fitbit Air vs Garmin ‘Cirqa’ vs Whoop

I can't get over the fact that in 2026, the biggest innovation we're talking about in wearable tech is the lack of a screen... 2015 called and wants its fitness trackers back.

Google isn't the only major consumer tech brand evidently hungry for a piece of the Whoop pie. Reports suggest that Garmin is also working on a subscription-free fitness tracker to rival the Whoop 5.0, possibly named the Garmin Cirqa.

Like the Fitbit Air, the Garmin Cirqa is also tipped for a summer 2026 debut. The question is, will these likely budget-friendly wearables be direct competitors to the seemingly pro athlete-level Whoop? Or, will they be more targeted to the traditional fitness tracker crowd?

My money is on the latter. However, the fact that Google is clearly going to launch the Fitbit Air with the endorsement of a world-class athlete throws a bit of a monkey wrench into that prediction.

Ultimately, I can't quite get over the fact that in 2026, the biggest innovation we're talking about in wearable technology is the lack of a screen. It's almost as if 2015 called and wants its fitness trackers back.


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Dan Bracaglia
Senior Writer, Fitness & Wearables

Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others. 

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.

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