Fitbit's Versa smartwatch series is the company's mainstay. Since the original Versa debuted in 2018, the two subsequent devices have improved the formula, added more features, and increased the company's smartwatch credentials.
We chose the Fitbit Versa 3 as the company's best wearable because of its excellent value, long battery life, and precise health tracking. The rumored Fitbit Versa 4 has a lot of room for improvement.
Fitbit's new smartwatch information is pouring in thick and fast, so it's not a stretch to think it'll be available soon. What do we know about Fitbit's upcoming smartwatch? Below, we look at the most recent Fitbit Versa 4 rumors and what we hope to see on the smartwatch.
Everything We Know About the Fitbit Versa 4
When Will, the Fitbit Versa, Be Available?
Fitbit Versa 3 was launched in late August 2021, approximately eleven months after the Versa 2. Following this pattern, the Versa 4 could be launched in the fall of 2022.
In terms of the device's name, Fitbit appears to be sticking with the Versa moniker. Fitbit has several options if it wants to change its name.
Fitbit could merge the Sense and Versa product lines. Given how similar the Versa 3 and Sense were in terms of base specs, the Versa 4 could be dubbed the “Sense Lite.” There is no evidence to support the Versa line's demise, so we'll have to wait and see what happens.
What Features Will Be Available on the Fitbit Versa 4?
Design
On May 4, we got our first alleged look at the Fitbit Versa 4, thanks to 9to5Google. To begin, the most noticeable design difference between the Versa 3 and Versa 4 is the addition of a physical button on the right side of the watch.
Notably, the inductive groove is located on Versa 3's left side. Given that we don't get a good look at that side of the watch, Fitbit may opt to keep the inductive groove while also including a tactile button on the other. More images will be required to confirm this.
We can learn more about the shot by looking beyond the button. There are no significant design differences between this and Versa 3. This implies that straps should be backward compatible and that the Versa 4 may take up the same amount of wrist space as its predecessor.
In late July, 9to5Google published alleged images of the Fitbit Versa 4. Aside from the return of the physical button, there isn't much difference between this and the Versa 3.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing because it indicates that Fitbit is aiming for further refinement rather than a completely new concept. The image of the sensor housing also suggests that, unlike the Sense, the Versa 4 will not receive an ECG sensor.
Interestingly, a now-deleted video titled “Tutorial for Fitbit Versa 4 / Sense 2 Screen Protector” also purportedly featured the Versa 4 in action (via 9to5Google). Wasserstein, a manufacturer of device accessories, provided the clip.
But don't get too worked up just yet. The device on display appears to be the original Sense. It does, however, imply that the Versa 4/Sense 2 will be very similar to the current Fitbit flagship.
Furthermore, according to an APK teardown of the Fitbit app performed by 9to5Google, the Fitbit Versa 4 and Fitbit Sense 2 could use 336 x 336 displays.
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The original Sense and the Versa 3 used the same resolution. The display on the Versa 3 measured 1.58-inches, so we can expect the Versa 4 to have similar body dimensions.
Specifications
The Versa 4 is expected to include built-in GPS with Glonass support, a built-in speaker with Bluetooth call smarts, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support, and SpO2 tracking.
It's unclear how Fitbit would persuade Versa 3 owners to upgrade to the Versa 4 in the absence of additional sensors. With this in mind, we wouldn't be surprised if it uses all or a subset of Fitbit Sense's exclusive ECG, EDA, and skin temperature sensors.
Software
According to the 9to5Google teardown, the Fitbit Versa 4 will most likely not run Wear OS. Google has previously confirmed that a yet-to-be-released Fitbit smartwatch will run Wear OS, but given that the Sense 2 isn't a likely candidate, it appears that an entirely new Fitbit range will bear this distinction.
How Much Will the Fitbit Versa 4 Cost?
The Fitbit Versa 3 was released at a price of $229, undercutting the Galaxy Watch 4 ($249) and Apple Watch SE ($279) but placing it above the aesthetically similar Garmin Venu Sq ($199).
Fitbit's newer models usually cost a few dollars more than their predecessors, so don't be surprised if the Versa 4 costs $249. In terms of availability, Fitbit's new models typically go on sale a few days after their official announcements, so the Versa 4 should be available in the fall.
Fitbit, on the other hand, has a habit of announcing features that are either locked, awaiting regulatory approval or scheduled for a later release date. We anticipate more of the same.
What We Want to See From the Fitbit Versa 4
A Replacement/alternative for Inductive Grooves
The finicky inductive groove is one of the more perplexing design elements on the Sense and Versa 3. It is more difficult to use than a traditional button due to its lack of tactile feedback, awkward placement, and clunky operation.
Sure, you get used to it, but whether you're sitting or running, we believe a tactile button would be a better fit. The Versa 2 included a clicky button that was easy to locate without looking.
This pusher was presumably traded for an inductive option for aesthetic reasons, but we'd much rather see a raised nub return. If that's too much to ask, Fitbit should make the Versa 4's inductive button easier to use. Early renders indicate that we may get both.
More Integration of Google Services and Apps
You'd be forgiven for forgetting that Google now owns Fitbit. Fitbit OS's most recent version is devoid of Google apps and services and lacks suitable replacements. For starters, Fitbit does not support any reliable offline maps app.
There is no support for YouTube Music or a dedicated Google Calendar app, and users cannot cast Fitbit workout videos to supported displays. We'd like to see Google make a more concerted effort to improve Fitbit OS.
Support for Wireless Charging
Fitbit releases a new charging cradle for nearly every smartwatch and fitness tracker. This is no longer the case with the Versa 3 and Sense, but we'd still like to see support for a universal solution, such as wireless charging.
While the new magnetic charging cradle is an improvement over the Versa 2's silly clasp charger, it still poses a problem for travelers or people who frequently forget to charge their devices. Wireless charging support would theoretically allow users to charge their Versa 4 via their phones' reverse charging feature or a portable charger.
The Sense Health Sensors
Finally, if we don't see dramatic physical changes, we would like to see new sensors on the Fitbit Versa 4. Fitbit created an artificial feature gap between the Sense and Versa lines in 2021.
But we want to see Sense's intelligence filter down into the next Versa model in 2022. This includes an ECG monitor to monitor heart health, an EDA sensor to monitor stress, and a skin temperature sensor to monitor body heat fluctuations actively.
