In Q3 2026, we analyzed 4,010 ChatGPT recommendations across 13 tech hardware and device categories to compile the AI Visibility Index.

AI recommendations for tech hardware and devices are becoming more selective, with fewer brands and sources breaking through. Our Q3 2026 index tracks visibility in 13 categories across the industry.

Health wearables have moved past step counting. They now offer personalized coaching, advanced health monitoring, and 24/7 conversational support. The technology is advancing faster than the answers to the questions it raises: whether the data is reliable, who can afford the devices, and whether doctors want the information at all. Modern devices now track complex health metrics including electrocardiograms to detect irregular heart rhythms, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, heart rate variability, and stress levels. That is far beyond the basic step counting of earlier generations. "Wearables, of course, have been around for a while, but they're really having a moment this year," said our analyst Rajiv Leventhal on a recent episode of "Behind the Numbers."

Apple's large health app user base and no added subscription for most new health features could give it an edge over rivals with similar offerings.

Wearables are shifting from fitness trackers to connected healthcare platforms. The value of AI, clinician access, and health data integration is expanding, as high costs risk excluding consumers who need these tools the most.

Reaching patients through insurers and providers could unlock wearable adoption among higher-need cohorts and strengthen long-term loyalty.

In June 2026, we analyzed 4,010 ChatGPT recommendations across 13 categories in the tech hardware and devices industry to compile the AI Visibility Index.

Oura's smart ring adds blood pressure signals, health records, and clinician chat—further blurring the line between wellness tools and healthcare tools.

Tech and AI players must prove accuracy, privacy, and real clinical value if they want users to trust them with their medical record data.

Health apps are mainstream, but brands are having trouble keeping users engaged. Actionable, value-added AI features will be essential for many health apps to stay relevant.

Apple isn’t abandoning AI-powered health guidance, but it’s likely holding back until the tech is useful enough to deliver real value.

Alphabet subsidiary Verily is launching a free health app offering personalized guidance from clinicians. The Verily Me app will also have an AI agent to answer people’s health questions based on their medical records. Verily’s competitive advantage over bigger companies with brand-name is that it has clinician partners and access to some medical record data. The company should leverage its network of doctors to endorse Verily Me to their patients, using real-world examples to demonstrate the benefit of combining a person’s health history with a medical expert’s view for individualized guidance.

Google will soon unveil an AI-powered personal health coach for the Fitbit app. Powered by Gemini, the health coach will be available to Fitbit Premium subscribers. Google will roll out a preview in October with the latest Fitbit trackers, Fitbit smartwatches, and Pixel Watches. Our take: The AI arms race has hit the health app and wearables space, and Google/Fitbit beat rivals to the punch with an AI personalized health coach. Highly customized health recommendations will be a must-have in the next iteration of digital health tools. Players in this space must ensure their AI-delivered guidance is reliable, while not turning off consumers with pricey subscription requirements.

The news: During a Congressional subcommittee hearing, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. laid out his vision for all Americans to use a wearable with health-tracking capabilities within four years. Our take: Marketers should use Kennedy’s enthusiasm for wearables to their advantage. They should get out in front of the government’s ad campaign by developing their own promotions that inform consumers of wearables’ evolved health-tracking features beyond just counting calories and steps. They could target people who aren’t as familiar or have never used a health wearable due to price concerns or lack of tech-savviness.

Wellness is becoming more digital, personalized, and consumer driven, with technology playing a central role in health management, fitness, and self-care.

US wearables forecast 2025: Health and wellness features are driving consumer adoption of wearables. AI-powered capabilities could be next. But doctors aren’t as enthusiastic about relying on health data in their practice—yet.

Fitbit smartwatches, website cut as Google favors Pixel Watch: Google phases out Versa and Sense to promote its costlier Pixel Watch, sidelining Fitbit’s better battery life and affordability.

Consumers are increasingly becoming more comfortable with technology, and the usage of health apps and wearables is becoming more prevalent. Explore how consumers are using technology to monitor their health and wellness, and learn more about the market potential.

Consumer device and behavior trends are affecting payment providers’ strategies across retail, P2P, B2B, disbursement, and cross-border channels. Here’s what that means for the payments ecosystem.

More than a quarter of the US population wears a connected device, including a growing number of older consumers who are interested in health and fitness tracking.