Samsung is reportedly planning to introduce a paid subscription model for its Samsung Health app, marking a significant shift from the platform’s traditionally free services. The potential move would follow the path of other health tech companies like Fitbit and Garmin, which already offer premium plans with expanded health insights.
Premium Features on the Horizon for Samsung Health
As part of the upcoming One UI 8 Watch update, Samsung is rolling out new health tracking capabilities such as the Antioxidant Index and Vascular Load. However, these advanced features will only be available on newer smartwatch models. According to Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Health Team at Samsung, the company is actively exploring subscription-based pricing options for Samsung Health.
While the core functions of the app will remain free, Samsung is considering offering more in-depth health analysis tools through paid premium plans. These plans would likely target users who want more detailed insights into their wellness data, much like the offerings seen in Fitbit Premium or Garmin Connect Plus.
Subscription Access May Be Required for Older Devices
Samsung’s vision for the platform could mean that only those using the latest or premium Galaxy Watch models will have access to the upcoming advanced features. For users with older devices, a paid subscription might be necessary to unlock some of the new health tracking options.
The company has not yet confirmed when these subscription plans might launch or how much they will cost. However, it’s clear that Samsung intends to evolve its health ecosystem into a more robust and possibly monetized service.
Advanced Sensors Likely Needed for Enhanced Features
In order to enable these new health features, Samsung may need to equip future smartwatches with updated hardware. This could include the addition of specific LEDs and sensors designed to capture more complex biological metrics. As a result, not only software but also hardware compatibility will determine access to these premium services.
While users can continue to rely on Samsung Health for basic wellness tracking at no cost, the platform may soon split into two tiers: a free version with standard features and a premium version offering deeper, data-driven health insights—potentially shaping the future of wearable health technology.