Samsung Could Launch A Paid Fitness Subscription Alongside The Galaxy Watch 8

From major players like Apple and Google to enthusiast brands like Garmin and Whoop, subscription-based health and wellness plans are all the rage these days. Now, Samsung might be looking to get in on the race.

Dr. Hon Pak, Samsung’s senior vice president and head of digital health, confirmed with CNET (via SammyGuru) in a new interview that the company is exploring the possibility of launching a subscription model for its wearables, which now include countless Galaxy Watches alongside last year’s Galaxy Ring. No specific details were given on what this plan could include or could cost, though it would presumably be competitive with plans like Fitbit Premium or Apple Fitness+. Both of those offerings cost $10 per month or $80 per year.

This tease comes on the heels of One UI 8 Watch’s surprise beta announcement earlier this week, which saw a host of new fitness and wellness options. Bedtime Tracking and Vascular Load both look to deliver improved sleep through bedtime recommendations and improved stress tracking, while tools like Running Coach should deliver a much better, more personalized experience while out on a jog.

CNET floats that One UI 8 Watch’s new features could be supported for free on Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 series, while those with older smartwatches would have to pay for access. That’s not quite how other players in the field approach subscriptions; Google and Apple, for example, both offer free trials of their premium features with the purchase of a new smartwatch, but eventually, everyone who wants those tools have to pay. Considering Samsung’s fairly excellent trade-in value for legacy hardware, that approach could actually benefit those who upgrade their watch on an annual basis.

We’ll have to keep waiting for both One UI 8 Watch and Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 series to see whether the company’s potential plans come to fruition — and, of course, whether they actually appear to be worth whatever price Samsung might ask for.

Would you be willing to pay for a premium Samsung Health subscription?

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