European Fitbit users in the near future will no longer have the ability to download third-party apps and watch faces. Google is implementing restrictions on access to the app store without specifying the reason, citing 'new legislation' as the cause.
In a support document, Google states that it will be removing third-party apps and watch faces from the Fitbit App Gallery. This change will only impact users within the European Economic Area, with the removal of apps starting from June of this year. Users still have the option to download and install apps until the specified date, after which they will have access to a selection of Fitbit and Google apps.
This adjustment will affect all Fitbit devices that previously enabled the download of external apps, including the Sense, Sense 2, Versa's Lite 2 3, and 4, as well as the Ionic.
Google has not disclosed the specific reasons behind the decision to restrict access to these apps, only indicating that it is a result of "new regulatory requirements" without providing further details. The recent implementation of laws like the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act in the European region likely influenced this change. The DMA mandates companies to allow more app stores and third-party software on their platforms.
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