In recent years, the landscape of digital health technology has experienced a significant shift, especially as healthcare costs surge and the aging population increasingly opts for aging in place. In line with these trends, Samsung is strategically positioning itself to capture a larger share of the digital health market. Hon Pak, the Vice President and Head of the Digital Health Team for Samsung’s Mobile Business, underscores the company’s vision to enhance its digital health offerings through an upcoming smartwatch update, which is a crucial step towards addressing these evolving consumer needs.
Pak remarks on the convergence of an aging population facing higher incidences of chronic illnesses and rising healthcare costs, which is reshaping the environment of healthcare delivery. He points out that the pressures associated with these changes are driving care services closer to home. The implications for Samsung’s strategy are clear; by integrating health-related functions into their products, Samsung aims to establish a foothold in the homes of consumers, ultimately making health management more accessible.
Samsung’s ambition is further complicated by its objective to compete against major rival Apple in the wearable technology sector. Both companies are ramping up their wellness offerings to cultivate long-term customer relationships during a period of stagnating smartphone sales. Samsung plans the release of a beta version of its new smartwatch software for the Galaxy Watch 5 and subsequent models, while some of its latest features will remain exclusive to newer device versions.
Pak is confident that Samsung holds a competitive advantage over rivals, particularly due to its existing portfolio of appliances and home entertainment systems. This peripheral presence in consumers’ homes provides Samsung an avenue to seamlessly introduce health management into everyday routines.
Despite being the world’s largest smartphone maker by market share, Samsung faces a daunting challenge in the smartwatch market. As reported by the International Data Corporation (IDC), Samsung only commanded approximately 6% of this sector in early 2025, while Apple controlled nearly 20%. Analysts attribute Apple’s marketing prowess and successful positioning of the Apple Watch as an essential complement to smartphones as two significant factors behind their dominance.
Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager from IDC, has highlighted that Apple has effectively promoted the Apple Watch to the point where it has become a coveted accessory. This bridges the gap between wearable technology and essential lifestyle items, making them indispensable for users.
To distinguish its offerings, Samsung plans to provide proactive health guidance, focusing on preventative measures such as proper nutrition and adequate sleep. The company contends that understanding user behavior in these areas can prevent health issues before they arise. However, competitors like Oura—known for its smart rings—also emphasize this preventative approach, as do larger tech companies such as Google, which are increasingly prioritizing health-tracking technologies.
Pak, who has a background as the Chief Medical Officer at 3M Health Information Systems, reveals concerns regarding traditional data collection methods in healthcare. He acknowledges that physicians often rely on a mere fraction of the data available, which complicates the formation of broad diagnostic and treatment strategies. Samsung’s smartwatch update aims to address such gaps by introducing functionality to measure antioxidant levels through innovative LED technology that analyzes the user’s skin when the watch is removed.
Additionally, the update promises features such as bedtime recommendations and a “running coach” that will assist users in adhering to their fitness goals. This development follows Apple’s introduction of its own coaching feature, indicating a mutual push for innovation in health tech among leading brands.
Moreover, Pak hints at exciting future projects, including an AI-driven health chatbot that Samsung hopes to launch, although details remain scarce. The possibilities of AI are further explored with ideas for smart glasses capable of providing detailed meal logging or detecting allergens via real-time analysis—a promising frontier for health-related applications in everyday life.
Despite Samsung’s innovative efforts in wearable technology, a notable hurdle remains. The company’s smartwatches are currently incompatible with iPhones, a strategic decision aimed at promoting loyalty to Samsung devices. Given Apple’s substantial foothold in the smartphone market, one cannot overlook the implications of this limitation on Samsung’s potential growth in the smartwatch sector. However, Pak hints at a willingness to reassess this aspect in the future, stating that discussions regarding potential partnerships with Apple are ongoing, albeit no firm decisions have been reached yet.
In conclusion, Samsung’s foray into the digital health market not only reflects the growing importance of personal health management technologies but also signifies a formidable competitive battle against entrenched players like Apple. As consumer expectation shifts towards integrated health solutions, the effectiveness of Samsung’s strategies will ultimately determine its success in carving out a significant presence within this burgeoning industry.