Google makes it impossible to download third-party apps and watch faces for Fitbit

European Fitbit users will no longer be able to download third-party apps and watch faces in a few weeks. Google is restricting access to the app store for a reason it does not specify, but which has to do with 'new legislation'.

Google writes in a support document that it will remove third-party apps and watchfaces from the Fitbit App Gallery . This only happens for users in the European Economic Area. The apps will be removed from June this year. Until then, users can still download and install the apps. They will then gain 'access to a selection of Fitbit and Google apps'.

The change affects all Fitbits on which it was possible to download external apps. These are the Sense and the Sense 2, the Versa's Lite, 2, 3 and 4 and the Ionic.

Google does not write why exactly it prohibits access to those apps. It only says that it is making the decision “due to the impact of new regulatory requirements” without elaborating further. Because the new policy only applies to European users, recently entered into force laws such as the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act probably play a role. Under the DMA, it is mandatory for companies to allow more app stores and third-party software on platforms.