Apple will no longer sell Fitbit in its stores as the company makes way for its own smartwatches to arrive next year.
Apple, one of the largest smartphone makers, is prioritizing its own products over its partners' to eliminate competition. The Cupertino tech giant will stop selling the popular Fitbit wristband health and fitness trackers at its retail stores, inside sources told Re/Code. The move comes shortly after a report surfaced online suggesting the removal of all Bose audio products from Apple retail stores.
Apple's decision to pull the plug on selling Fitbit bands is most likely because of its own wearable fleet. The timing of the new report is worth noting, as just last week Fitbit said it will not integrate with Apple's HealthKit anytime soon.
FitBit dismissed the idea of immediately integrating with HealtKit because apparently it wants some improvements in the product. "It is an interesting new platform and we will watch as it matures, looking for opportunities to improve the Fitbit experience," FitBit posted in its user forums in reply to one of its consumers' query,9to5Mac reported.
Other companies like Jawbone and Withings have integrated their wearables with Apple's latest platform and HealthKit. But even if Apple shuts out FitBit from its stores, the company is successful in it s own right. In a statement issued to Mashable, a company spokesperson said the device is sold in more than 37,000 retail stores worldwide including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and not just Apple Stores.
"Fitbit looks forward to a robust holiday season as the connected health and fitness category continues its rapid growth," the spokesperson said.
Apple hasn't commented on the development.
