Fitbit Versa 2 Release Date Announced: Next-Gen Smartwatch Brings Alexa, Advanced Sleep Tracking and 5+ Days Battery

Fitbit has officially unveiled the Versa 2, its latest premium smartwatch that marks a significant evolution from the original Versa lineup. The Fitbit Versa 2 release date is set for worldwide availability beginning September 15, 2019, though presales began immediately on Fitbit.com and select online retailers at $199.95 USD for standard models and $229.95 USD for the Special Edition.

Reimagining Sleep: From Tracking to Improvement

Sleep remains a critical health metric, yet research shows roughly one-third of American adults fail to get adequate sleep regularly. Fitbit addresses this by leveraging over a decade of wearable sleep tracking expertise and insights from 10.5+ billion nights of tracked data. The Versa 2 introduces a suite of intelligent sleep management features that go beyond basic monitoring.

The Sleep Score feature provides users with nightly sleep quality ratings through the Fitbit app, calculated using heart rate variability, restlessness patterns, time awake, and sleep stage data. The forthcoming Smart Wake function applies machine learning to identify optimal wake windows within light or REM sleep phases, allowing users to rise feeling more refreshed rather than during deep sleep cycles. Additionally, Sleep Mode simultaneously disables the display and mutes notifications for uninterrupted rest.

An emerging feature called Estimated Oxygen Variation Graph will track blood oxygen variability during sleep using the device’s red and infrared sensors—data that can reveal breathing pattern irregularities throughout the night, providing early warning signs for potential sleep-related issues.

Your Wrist Just Got Smarter: Alexa Integration and Beyond

For the first time on any Fitbit device, the Versa 2 incorporates an on-device microphone enabling native Amazon Alexa functionality. This transforms the smartwatch into a portable voice assistant, allowing users to initiate workouts, locate nearby gyms, receive nutrition information, control smart home devices, set reminders, check weather updates, and access transit information—all without reaching for a phone.

Alexa responses appear as discrete text on the watch face rather than audio feedback, maintaining discretion during social situations. The integration maintains full compatibility with the Alexa ecosystem while keeping the primary health tracking focus intact.

Entertainment and Payment Convenience

The Spotify app transforms the Versa 2 into a music control hub for Premium subscribers, enabling playback management, playlist switching, and output switching directly from the wrist. Combined with the device’s capacity to store 300+ personal songs, download Pandora stations, and add Deezer playlists, users enjoy comprehensive audio options throughout their day.

Fitbit Pay extends to all Versa 2 models, supporting contactless payments at retail locations and access across seven major transit systems worldwide—from New York’s MTA OMNY to Transport for London and Taiwan’s iPASS system. This wallet-free payment capability eliminates the need to carry cards during workouts or commutes.

Engineering Excellence: Display, Processing Power, and Endurance

The Versa 2 features a larger AMOLED display with enhanced brightness and color accuracy compared to its predecessor. An optional always-on mode displays time and stats continuously while consuming only slightly more battery, maintaining 2+ days of active-mode battery life even with this feature enabled.

Under the hood, an upgraded processor delivers faster navigation and smoother app performance. The 5+ days of standard battery life represents a substantial advantage over comparable smartwatches, extending the interval between charging cycles and ensuring reliability during multi-day trips or fitness events.

Design Evolution: From Function to Fashion

Fitbit refined the Versa 2’s industrial design to balance sportiness with everyday sophistication. The smartwatch features a precision-crafted construction with subtle material refinements, rounded edges, and a curved case that sits comfortably on the wrist for extended wear. An anodized aluminum finish in neutral tones projects modern elegance while remaining neutral enough to complement diverse personal styles.

The Special Edition introduces premium aesthetics with jacquard-woven bands in navy/pink and smoke/mist colorways, paired with copper rose or mist grey aluminum cases. Buyers of Special Edition models receive a complimentary three-month Fitbit Premium trial, worth approximately $30 value.

Ecosystem Expansion: Accessories and Customization

Versa 2 supports nearly 3,000 apps and clock faces, enabling personalization across professional, athletic, and casual contexts. The accessory ecosystem includes silicone classic bands in five new colors, perforated sport bands optimized for training, woven bands from recycled materials featuring reflective elements, and premium Horween leather options.

A designer collaboration with New York-based Kim Shui through the Council of Fashion Designers of America introduced limited-edition friendship bracelets crafted from premium suede. For outdoor enthusiasts, RECCO Rescue technology integration into a specialized woven band provides lifetime rescue reflectivity for backcountry activities.

Complete Health Tracking: The Fundamentals Remain Strong

Beyond innovative sleep and AI features, the Versa 2 maintains comprehensive health monitoring. PurePulse 24/7 heart rate tracking, automatic activity detection, 15+ goal-based exercise modes, connected GPS functionality, and 50-meter water resistance ensure robust fitness tracking capabilities. These foundations combined with the new features create a genuinely comprehensive health companion for around-the-clock wellness monitoring.

Global Availability and Pricing Structure

Standard Fitbit Versa 2 models are priced at $199.95 USD in black, petal, or stone colorways. The Special Edition commands $229.95 USD. International pricing reflects regional markets: €199.95 in Europe, £199.99 in the UK, $249.95 CAD in Canada, $329.95 AUD in Australia, and ₹20,999 in India. Accessories range from $29.95 to $99.95 USD.

Retail distribution includes partnerships with Amazon, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Target, Verizon, and Walmart across North America, with global availability through 39,000 retail locations in over 100 countries. Exclusive colorways in emerald and bordeaux will roll out throughout fall 2019 via Fitbit.com and select retailers.