Fitbit has announced that it will finally stop supporting Pebble smartwatches in June 2018. On the one hand this represents an extension of its original timeline, but on the other hand, it means the end is in sight. Still, Fitbit IS offering Pebble owners a discount on the Fitbit Ionic.

In December 2016, Pebble announced that it was shutting down. Fitbit swooped in and acquired its technology, software, and other intellectual property. However, Fitbit didn't acquire the Pebble hardware, which meant it was only a matter of time before support for those products would end.

The End Is Nigh for Pebble

Fitbit promised to support Pebble smartwatches to the end of 2017. However, the company has now extended support until June 30, 2018. At which point the app store, forum, voice recognition features, SMS and email replies (on iOS), Timeline pins, and other elements will stop working.

The devices and apps will carry on working as normal for the time being. However, there will be no further updates for the Android and iOS apps, and Fitbit warns that "future iOS or Android updates" could "break Pebble compatibility." In other words, you're living on borrowed time.

Fitbit admits it wants existing Pebble owners to upgrade to a new Fitbit device. Thus, the six-month extension is to help the "Pebble community assess comparable options on the Fitbit OS platform, and give Pebble developers more time to build amazing things with the Fitbit SDK."

In order to persuade any reticent Pebble smartwatch owners to upgrade, Fitbit is offering them $50 off the price of a new Fitbit Ionic smartwatch. The offer will be finalized in the Spring, with existing Pebble owners just needing to register for updates to be kept in the loop.

A Mix of Good News and Bad

This is a mixture of good and bad news for Pebble owners. It means you now know when your treasured device will no longer be supported. But Fitbit has carried on supporting your device long after it needed to, and is also offering a healthy discount on the Fitbit Ionic smartwatch.

Do you own a Pebble smartwatch? Were you disappointed when Fitbit acquired the IP and talent powering Pebble? Do you appreciate Fitbit extending support? Are you likely to use the discount code to buy a new Fitbit Ionic smartwatch? Please let us know in the comments below!