"Samsung supporting your wellbeing": an inside look at the company's ambitious wearable health aspirations
Samsung's smartwatch journey began in 2013 with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Gear, a device primarily serving as a smartphone companion with basic fitness tracking and notification features [2]. However, the brand has since transformed its Galaxy Watch line into advanced intelligent health companions, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role in this transformation.
From Basic Fitness Trackers to Intelligent Health Companions
Over the years, Samsung progressively enhanced its Galaxy Watch line to incorporate more sophisticated health and fitness tracking capabilities. Early models focused on simple metrics like step counting and call/message alerts. But with each iteration, the brand has pushed deeper into the health space, offering insights and personalized recommendations [1].
The latest models, such as the anticipated Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (2025), embody Samsung's shift towards intelligent health companions rather than mere wearable tech. This shift is driven by leveraging AI to analyze a wide range of health indicators in real-time, enabling proactive health management [1]. AI algorithms personalize user experiences by learning individual habits, detecting irregularities such as arrhythmias, and suggesting lifestyle or fitness adjustments tailored to the user’s health conditions and goals.
AI-Powered Health Management
Samsung's introduction of Tizen OS and later Wear OS, alongside UI improvements like One UI 8, enhances both the functionality and user-friendliness of their smartwatches. This seamless integration of AI-powered health tools with an intuitive interface allows Samsung smartwatches to evolve from basic wearable accessories to sophisticated health monitoring and wellness platforms designed to assist users in maintaining and improving their health intelligently and proactively [1].
Annika Bizon, Samsung UK's VP of Product and Marketing for Mobile Experience, and Lee Dinham, Smartphone Specialist Product Manager, revealed how Samsung's latest wearables reflect a bigger shift. They aim to support this shift by offering tools that can fit into changing lifestyles and act as a social signal for wellbeing [3].
The Galaxy Watch 8 Lineup
The Galaxy Watch 8 lineup includes a watch called the Ultra, which is a move into the high-performance wearable space, competing with rugged sports watches like the Garmin Fenix 8. The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers features such as a bright AMOLED display, full app support, Samsung Pay, music storage, advanced sensors, and offline navigation [4].
While the Ultra's battery life is solid, with Lee Dinham getting four days on a charge, it doesn't yet match the multi-week runtime of some Garmins [4]. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic are built on a philosophy powered by AI and personalized insights.
A Focus on Preventative Health
Samsung's goal for its wearables is to move from tracking health to changing it, with a focus on preventative health in the future [3]. The Galaxy Watch 8 lineup includes tools designed to monitor and actively help improve vitals, such as oxidative stress levels, vascular load, and a more advanced sleep analysis engine capable of detecting signs of sleep apnea [5].
The sleep analysis engine provides more insights and better suggestions than many of its rivals [5]. Samsung gamifies health and fitness data by assigning sleep scores and sleep animals, making it more engaging for users to track their health and wellness [5].
A Cultural Shift Towards Health
There has been a 59% year-on-year increase in people joining running clubs, indicating a broader cultural shift around health [6]. Annika Bizon shared that her own use of the watch influenced her household to eat better [7]. Samsung's latest wearables aim to support this shift by offering tools that can fit into changing lifestyles and act as a social signal for wellbeing [3].
In conclusion, Samsung's smartwatch philosophy has evolved significantly from simple step counters to advanced intelligent health companions, with AI playing a crucial role in this transformation. The brand's focus on preventative health, personalized insights, and user-friendly interfaces sets Samsung apart in the wearable technology market.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in Samsung's Galaxy Watch line has significantly transformed these devices from basic fitness trackers to advanced intelligent health companions. AI algorithms enable the smartwatches to provide proactive health management by learning individual habits, detecting irregularities, and suggesting personalized lifestyle or fitness adjustments.
Furthermore, Samsung's latest smartwatches, such as the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (2025), implement AI-powered health tools seamlessly with an intuitive interface, turning these wearable devices into sophisticated health monitoring and wellness platforms that aim to change user's health for the better, following Samsung's focus on preventative health.
