New Samsung Galaxy watch adds health features Apple Watch can’t match — yet

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Looks like Samsung might push the boundaries of wearable health technology with its upcoming Galaxy Watch, due in July. Its features go beyond what Apple Watch currently offers. Galaxy will include a groundbreaking, needle-free blood analysis tool among other intriguing features, according to a new report.

The new capabilities might offer a prescription of sorts for future Apple Watch upgrades.

New Samsung Galaxy Watch health features: Advice for Apple Watch to follow?

The Korean tech giant plans to debut four major health innovations with its next Galaxy Watch in July, according to CNET. The headliner? An Antioxidant Index feature that measures carotenoid levels in your skin using LED light sensors — no blood draw required. This represents a significant leap forward in non-invasive health monitoring that Apple Watch users might find appealing.

Needle-free antioxidant monitoring leads the charge

The standout feature uses four different LED wavelengths to detect beta-carotene levels by simply placing your thumb on the watch’s back sensor for a few seconds. Samsung said it validated these readings against actual blood tests, offering users a “low” to “adequate” score with lifestyle recommendations to boost antioxidant levels.

“This is a non-invasive way to see how your diet and lifestyle may be affecting your antioxidant levels,” Dr. Hon Pak, Samsung’s senior vice president of digital health, told CNET. The company plans to expand this into AI-driven nutrition coaching with specific recipe and supplement recommendations.

This capability addresses a real health need, as antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to cancer, heart disease and premature aging — conditions that build up from stress, poor diet and aging.

AI-powered fitness coaching rivals Apple’s approach

According to the report, Samsung will also introduce a 12-minute run assessment that establishes fitness levels from beginner to marathon-ready. It will include personalized training plans and real-time AI coaching. The feature provides verbal encouragement during runs — similar to Apple’s Workout Buddy — but appears to go further by adapting future workouts based on performance data.

The system integrates with existing health metrics like VO2 max, potentially allowing users to train toward fitness indicators rather than just distance goals. This holistic approach to fitness coaching could pressure Apple to expand beyond its current workout features.

Sleep and heart health get smarter

Samsung’s Bedtime Guidance analyzes three days of sleep data to determine individual circadian rhythms and provide personalized sleep schedules rather than generic eight-hour recommendations. The feature can integrate with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem to automatically adjust room temperature, lighting and even close blinds for optimal sleep environments.

And notably, a new Vascular Load metric tracks cumulative cardiovascular stress during sleep using pulse wave analysis. That helps users understand how lifestyle choices affect long-term heart disease risk. This looks like more sophisticated heart monitoring than Apple Watch’s current capabilities.

Premium features may require subscription

These advanced features will debut with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with other models to follow. But Samsung may implement a premium subscription model similar to Fitbit Premium. The company hasn’t confirmed pricing, but older Galaxy Watch models may access features through a paywall while new purchases include them free.

Looking ahead, Samsung hints at optical glucose monitoring as another potential breakthrough that could further differentiate its wearables from Apple Watch.

For Apple Watch users accustomed to leading-edge health features, Samsung’s innovations — particularly the needle-free blood analysis — could influence Apple’s future wearable development. As Samsung transforms its Galaxy Watch from passive tracker to proactive health monitor, Apple may need to respond with equally ambitious health features to maintain its smartwatch leadership.