Fitbit issued a mandatory firmware update for its Versa 3 and Sense wearables to reduce the risk of overheating batteries, which has been a problem for the brand, sparked by its recent $12m fine and the issue of burning 78 customers with its Ionic watches.
However, the update has had a significant impact on device battery life, with many customers reporting a loss of up to 50%, with some rendered renders their devices useless.
Fitbit’s parent company, Google, has declined to add further commentary on the matter beyond its consumer notice, but a 2022 lawsuit alleging similar issues with other Fitbit devices, including the Versa 2 and Lite, contains photos of burns suffered by wearers of the brand.
This issue is not new for Fitbit, whose customers have long debated issues with battery drainage and skin irritation on its subreddit.
Since Google acquired Fitbit, customer service has also come under fire.