Fitbit introduced on March 2 that it was recalling its Ionic smartwatch after quite a few stories of burn accidents. Right here’s every little thing it’s essential to know in regards to the recall program and why you would possibly wish to swap to an Apple Watch.
What units are being recalled?
Fitbit is recalling each Ionic ever offered, which incorporates the next fashions:
- Slate Blue/Burnt Orange (FB503CPBU)
- Charcoal/Smoke Grey (FB503GYBK)
- Blue Grey/Silver Grey (FB503WTGY)
- Adidas version, Ink Blue & Ice Grey/Silver Grey (FB503WTNV)
How a lot is Fitbit giving for the recall?
Fitbit is providing a refund of $299 to all Fitbit Ionic prospects it doesn’t matter what you truly paid for the system.
Do I have to return the system?
Sure. To get the refund, it’s essential to go to Fitbit’s refund registration web page to obtain a return equipment with directions on find out how to return your system for a refund. Bear in mind to clear take away your account and filter your knowledge earlier than sending it again.
How will the refund be paid out?
You’ll be able to choose to both obtain a Mastercard Debit Card or a PayPal deposit.
How lengthy will it take to get the refund?
Fitbit says return kits ought to arrive inside 5 enterprise days of finishing the request. After they obtain your system and course of the return, Fitbit will ship the refund by means of the tactic you chose.

The Ionic was Fitbit’s first system to have a full display and smartwatch capabilities.
Michael Simon/IDG
Are another Fitbit units affected?
No, the one system that’s a part of the recall is the Ionic.
Is Fitbit providing a reduction on future purchases?
Fitbit is providing a reduction of 40 p.c for anybody who participates within the recall program. It’s good for 90 days.
What’s the closest Fitbit system to the Ionic?
The closest system to the Ionic is the Fitbit Sense, which retails for $300 and would value $180 after the low cost. It has a full-color display, superior well being metrics, and an array of sensors, together with electrodermal exercise for stress, ECG for pulse, pores and skin temperature, blood-oxygen, and heart-rate. Fitbit additionally sells the Versa 3 smartwatch for $230 ($138 after the low cost), in addition to a number of smaller bands.
How do the sensors within the Sense evaluate to the Apple Watch Collection 7?
Just like the Sense, the Apple Watch Collection 7 has ECG, blood-oxygen, and heart-rate sensors, although it doesn’t have stress or physique temperature.
What in regards to the Apple Watch SE?
The Apple Watch SE doesn’t have the ECG or blood-oxygen sensors or an always-on show and has a slower processor and barely smaller display in comparison with the Collection 7.

The Apple Watch SE is a superb possibility for first-time Apple Watch consumers.
How does battery life evaluate?
The Fitbit Sense is rated for six-plus days of battery life whereas the Apple Watch will final 18 hours till it wants a cost.
Does the Apple Watch observe sleep?
Sure, each watches will observe your sleep in the event you put on them in a single day. Nonetheless, the Fitbit is a little more superior with its charts, displaying deep sleep, REM, and sleep high quality.
Will my Fitbit knowledge switch to the Apple Watch?
Probably not. Fitbit makes use of its personal app to gather and measure your exercise, and there’s no simple option to switch it to the Apple Watch. You need to use a third-party app equivalent to Strava or Fitbit to Apple Well being sync to maneuver knowledge into the Well being app, however your mileage will differ.
What does Apple Watch supply that Fitbit doesn’t?
Whereas Fitbit units are higher well being trackers than Apple watches, the Apple Watch is way superior in each different space. It presents a good connection to the iPhone, so you may make and obtain calls, ship texts, summon Siri, and play podcasts and songs by means of Apple Music. It additionally has some well being options that aren’t obtainable on Fitbit units, equivalent to noise alerts and fall detection, in addition to a bigger show with extra superior watch faces, a premium design, extra band choices, and quicker charging, in addition to mobile knowledge choices. Fitbit’s app retailer and iPhone integration are fairly restricted, so if you would like extra of a smartwatch, the Apple Watch is the best way to go.
Can I exploit my Fitbit refund to purchase an Apple Watch?
Fitbit is supplying a debit card or PayPal switch, so it may be used to purchase something. Nonetheless, you received’t get to make use of the 40 p.c coupon except you purchase a brand new system by means of Fitbit.com.
Michael Simon has been overlaying Apple because the iPod was the iWalk. His obsession with expertise goes again to his first PC—the IBM Thinkpad with the lift-up keyboard for swapping out the drive. He is nonetheless ready for that to return again in type tbh.