Samsung is thinking about launching a premium subscription model for Samsung Health, according to a new interview with CNET. Until now, Samsung Health has been free, but that could change soon. The company might start charging users for access to some advanced health features in the future.
Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health at Samsung, confirmed that they are exploring a model similar to Garmin Connect Plus or Fitbit Premium. Basic features will remain free, but premium features would require a monthly fee.
Samsung could also offer these premium features for free to buyers of high-end Galaxy Watches or even the upcoming Galaxy Ring. Users with older Galaxy Watches might have to pay for access to these advanced tools.
Right now, the new features from the One UI 8 Watch—like Bedtime Guidance, Vascular Load, Running Coach, and Antioxidant Index—are available through a beta program in the US and South Korea for watches as old as the Galaxy Watch5 series. However, availability depends on whether the watch has the right advanced LED sensors.
More details about this subscription plan could be announced when Samsung unveils its next Galaxy Watch lineup in July.