New Withings accounts need a $100 subscription for automatic health data syncing
Withings is requiring people who create accounts after 13 October to subscribe to Withings+ to automatically sync their health data with Apple Health and similar apps. The change has drawn criticism from customers because it puts a recurring charge on a feature that lets people use their health data across platforms.
Withings+ costs $100 a year, and the company confirmed that automatic third-party syncing is now part of the plan for new users. People on free accounts can still export and upload their data manually when they want to update another platform; existing users do not appear to be affected. Withings sells smart health devices, including scales priced at $280 and $600.
- New Withings accounts need a subscription for automatic app syncing.
- Withings+ costs $100 a year.
- Free users can export and upload data manually.
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Withings is a company that sells connected health devices, including scales that record measurements such as weight. Its app stores those readings, allowing people to track changes over time and view their health information alongside data from other services.
Apple Health and similar apps bring information from different devices and services together. Automatic syncing transfers readings without the user having to move them manually, while manual export means downloading or uploading data when needed. Making automatic sharing part of a paid plan affects how easily new customers can use their readings across platforms.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Withings can argue that automatic syncing is an ongoing service requiring development, maintenance and support, and that bundling it with Withings+ helps fund those costs. A paid plan may also support a broader set of features while leaving free users the option to export their data manually.
The case against
Customers can argue that syncing is a basic way to use health data across platforms, especially for people who have already paid a substantial amount for Withings devices. Requiring a recurring subscription for automatic transfers adds friction and cost, while manual exports are less convenient and may make the data less useful in everyday health apps.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Withings wants new users to pay $100 a year to sync with Apple Health”.