Samsung is considering a subscription tier for its Samsung Health app that could potentially restrict access to newer features, its head of digital health has indicated.
In a recent discussion, Samsung’s senior vice president and head of digital health Dr. Hon Pak said the company is considering a model that would offer subscribers access to new features, while non-paying users would continue to receive updates to current capabilities.
However, it’s likely that the most basic fitness tracking functions – such as heart rate and step tracking – would remain free. Some of the more advanced features – such as those coming with the One UI 8 Watch update – could be reserved for those willing to pay, although nothing has been confirmed at this stage.
What’s coming with the One UI 8 Watch update?
Samsung recently announced the latest update for its wearable line, and it’s packed with features including Antioxidant Index, Bedtime Guidance, Running Coach, and Vascular Load.
It appears that different watches will support varying features, with the Antioxidant Index Vascular Load requiring the flagship Galaxy Watch Ultra.
What do we think?
While this interview focused on what could possibly come in the future, rather than confirming a release date or an upcoming announcement, it does feel inevitable that health-based subscription services will become more common.
With the advent of more AI features, and the possibility that some phone makers will start charging for their AI assistants, we could expect to begin paying monthly for stuff previously available free of charge.
Already this year, we’ve seen a huge backlash against Garmin for its Connect Plus service, which seems very similar to what Samsung could end up offering. Fitbit also offers a premium service that unlocks more features through a paid-for monthly subscription.
It’s not clear when or if Samsung would introduce such a model, which features would be involved, whether it’d only be for new features, which devices would be affected or how much it’d cost.
