Android 16 is expected to bring significant health monitoring upgrades, with Fitbit potentially being one of the first apps to leverage the new capabilities. Code analysis indicates that the upcoming Android release will introduce medical record support to Health Connect, Google's central hub for health and fitness data.

Health Connect currently allows users to share health data between different apps. The Android 16 update will expand this functionality to include medical records such as vaccinations, allergies, and pregnancy details. Fitbit's existing integration with Health Connect makes it a prime candidate to utilize this new feature, offering users a more comprehensive view of their health profile.

Google emphasizes the security and privacy aspects of Health Connect, giving users full control over which apps can access specific data. This central repository approach allows users to combine data from multiple apps, such as using a Fitbit tracker for sleep monitoring and another app for step counting. This integration aims to prevent data loss when switching between apps, provided developers integrate with Health Connect.

The update to Health Connect introduces a new set of APIs that allow apps to read and write medical data in FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) format, which standardizes the way electronic health records are saved and accessed. Support will initially include immunization records, with plans to expand to lab results, medications, and more in the future.

Strings of code found within the Fitbit app suggest that it is preparing for the medical records feature, including prompts to add medical records and descriptions highlighting the ability to keep medical records within the Fitbit app. These permissions include allergy intolerances, conditions, laboratory results, medications, personal details, pregnancy details, procedures, social history, vaccinations, doctor visits, vital signs and practitioner details.

While the exact release date of Android 16 remains unconfirmed, it is expected to arrive later this year. The integration of medical records into Health Connect, coupled with Fitbit's potential adoption, signals a significant step towards more comprehensive and integrated health tracking on Android devices.