Samsung’s big plan to compete with the Apple Watch: keeping you healthy as you age

As healthcare expenses are projected to surge by 2025, Samsung is strategically aiming to capitalize on the growing trend of seniors preferring to age in place. This shift is part of Samsung's broader initiative to gain a more substantial foothold in the digital health sector. Hon Pak, Vice President and head of the digital health division within Samsung's mobile division, emphasized the urgency of this initiative in a recent CNN interview. "With an aging populace increasingly affected by chronic conditions and rising costs, the demand for home-based care is escalating," Pak explained. In a bid to challenge Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market, Samsung is enhancing its wellness offerings through its upcoming smartwatch update. The beta software will be available this month for the Galaxy Watch 5 and subsequent models, although some features will be exclusive to the latest devices. Pak notes that Samsung has a unique advantage in integrating health solutions into homes, given its extensive range of home appliances and entertainment products. Despite being the leading smartphone manufacturer globally, Samsung faces significant hurdles in the smartwatch arena, holding just about 6% of the market share as of the first quarter of 2025, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). In contrast, Apple commands approximately 20% of the market, effectively positioning the Apple Watch as a highly desirable companion device. Research manager Jitesh Ubrani from IDC pointed out that Apple has successfully marketed its smartwatch as an essential accessory, making it a priority for many consumers. Samsung aims to distinguish itself by prioritizing preventive health measures, encouraging users to maintain a balanced diet and adequate sleep to avoid future health issues. Competing against smaller health tech firms, such as Oura, which also emphasizes proactive health monitoring, Samsung is keen to innovate in this space. Pak highlighted a significant gap in the current healthcare data collection methods, stating, "As a physician, we capture less than 1% of patient data, which we then use to inform diagnostic decisions." The smartwatch update will introduce a feature that assesses users' antioxidant levels by shining LED lights on their skin. This innovative technology estimates beta carotene levels, found in foods like carrots and spinach. Users will need to remove the watch to engage the sensor on the back for this feature, which has undergone clinical trials to ensure accuracy. Additional features in this update include personalized sleep suggestions and a virtual running coach designed to help users achieve their fitness objectives. This follows Apple’s recent announcement of a similar training tool called Workout Buddy. Furthermore, Pak hinted at an upcoming AI-powered health chatbot, although specifics remain undisclosed pending an official announcement. Looking beyond smartwatches, Pak envisions the potential of AI-driven smart glasses to introduce new health functionalities, such as meal logging. Future innovations could assess eating speed and identify allergens in food simply by analyzing a user's plate. Some developers have already created services that utilize AI models to evaluate nutritional content from food images. Despite challenges in compatibility with iPhones, which Samsung ceased several years ago to foster loyalty to its devices, Pak has not dismissed future collaborations with Apple. "There are ongoing discussions," he stated, indicating a willingness to explore possibilities for cross-compatibility. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, Samsung is positioning itself to be a key player in the intersection of health technology and consumer electronics.