Overnight, Google discreetly introduced an update directly to our Google Analytics dashboards. While this change may not significantly impact the majority of users, the shift in terminology has caused a stir among webmasters today.
The most noticeable alteration is the replacement of “visits” and “visitors” with “sessions” and “users.” The term “visit” will no longer be visible in Google Analytics. Users will simply need to adapt to this new terminology.
However, the underlying data remains unchanged. A session refers to the duration a visitor (user) interacts with your website, and a user is defined as anyone who has engaged in at least one session on your site. 
This is now the standard for what was previously referred to as visits and visitors.
Google’s primary rationale for this change is to facilitate the integration of app and web data. For those tracking app data within Google Analytics alongside their primary website, you’ll recall that the two were previously distinct Google Analytics properties. The app data was based on active users rather than visitors.
Since apps don’t have “visitors” in the traditional sense (users must download and actively use the app), this presented a challenge for marketers, as combining the two properties for a comprehensive view of total “users” was cumbersome without third-party tools. Now, Google enables the merging of app and web analytics.
This development allows marketers to concentrate on conversion data and gain precise insights into how “users” interact with their products or services. While it’s still possible to view app data independently, this is achieved through filters rather than separate properties.
For website owners and marketers without an app, the impact will be minimal.
The primary concern is the shift in terminology. Over time, this change could result in more accurate data as Google refines its methods for identifying users. For instance, Google is inching closer to tracking the same individual across three different devices visiting your website.
Previously, each device and/or browser would be counted as a separate “visitor,” despite potentially being the same user. While this feature isn’t yet fully implemented, Google is laying the groundwork for more precise data in the future.
Google also noted that they have incorporated additional app-specific fields into the analytics.js library:
screen name
app name
app version
exception tracking
This enhances the differentiation between app and web data while enabling their combination. You will be able to delve into app data or web data separately for more in-depth analysis. Filters can be created to facilitate these distinct views.
The main benefit is gaining a unified perspective on total conversions and e-commerce tracking, as it aggregates both app and web data, offering a broader overview of your online presence. Google’s full explanation is provided below:
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