The Health Forum held at Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 also shared Samsung’s Connected Care vision for the next chapter of digital health — a future where care moves from reactive treatment toward preventive, personalised and connected experiences, supported by trusted health innovation and partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem. One technology that is helping power these new consumer experiences is the health foundation model.

Researchers from the Digital Health Team at Samsung Research America (SRA) are developing new AI technologies to continuously understand a person’s health state from biosignals, generate health insights, and offer appropriate health guidance.

Samsung researchers recently introduced two foundation models based on wearable data: xMAE (Physiology-Aware Masked Cross-Modal Reconstruction for Biosignal Representation Learning), which learns the temporal relationship between different biosignals, and HiMAE (Hierarchical Masked Autoencoder), which understands health patterns across different time scales in wearable time-series data. Both studies demonstrate advancement of health AI models that can better understand the physiological relationships and temporal structure of biosignals.

Samsung’s work on xMAE and HiMAE models was accepted to the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML), and the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR), respectively, highlighting the significance of this research.

Health Foundation Models That Read the Body’s Signals: Why They Matter for Health

A health foundation model is an AI model that uses self-supervised learning to learn meaningful features from unlabeled biosignal data.

HiMAE AI model: Reading the Body at Every Time Scale on the Device

Health data measured from wearable devices can reveal different information depending on the time scale at which it is analysed. For example, short time segments can reveal rapidly changing signals such as heartbeats, while longer time segments can uncover patterns that accumulate over time, such as sleep or physical activity. This is similar to examining different information by zooming in and out of an image.

HiMAE is a self-supervised learning model that learns representation from wearable data across multiple time scales. It uses multiple encoders to analyse short and long segments separately, allowing the model to identify information required for each health task, such as heart rate analysis or sleep prediction, at the appropriate time scale. During training, the model reconstructs masked parts of the data. This enables it to learn key patterns in biosignals even when labeled data is limited.

A single pretrained HiMAE model handles classification, numerical prediction and data generation. The model achieved high performance while being smaller than existing models. It also improved computational efficiency to the point where it can produce results in less than one millisecond on a smartwatch-class central processing unit (CPU). Most importantly, HiMAE demonstrates the potential of on-device health foundation models for the first time—analysing raw health signals in real time, without relying on cloud servers.

The Next Step Toward Connected Care

Together, xMAE and HiMAE, represent an advance in AI models that precisely understand the physiological relationships and temporal structures unique to biosignals. Both models aim to deliver precise, continuous, personalised health insights and to generalise across many health tasks from a single pre-trained model. Hear more from the researchers behind this work below.

From foldables to smartwatches, Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices take different forms but share the same design philosophy — comfort.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Hubert Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the Design Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, to hear how this approach shaped the new line-up.

Hubert Lee

Q: What were the key design considerations for this year’s Galaxy foldable line-up?

Today’s Galaxy devices are faster and more powerful than ever. We considered how we could go one step further to deliver a more natural and comfortable experience.

Slimness and lightness are essential to creating a comfortable user experience, since they influence how naturally a device opens, how comfortable it feels in the hand and how easily it fits into everyday life. That is why we consider not only the product itself, but also every moment of the user experience it creates.

From an aesthetic perspective, we applied the concept of “Emotive Geometry.” This design approach brings human warmth to Galaxy’s simple, refined forms, creating a balanced design that goes beyond powerful performance to connect with users on an emotional level.

Product sketches and design elements on display illustrate the design process behind the new Galaxy Z series

Q: What drove the expansion of the Galaxy Z series portfolio?

Across seven generations of foldable innovation, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of how people use their devices. As user expectations for foldables have become more diverse, we have also recognised that no single foldable can meet every need – one size does not fit all.

Some users prioritise productivity and multitasking, while others value portability. Based on these insights, we expanded the Galaxy Z series line-up so each device could better serve different priorities.

Q: Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the slimmest Galaxy Z Fold yet[1]. What shaped its exceptionally slim design?

The design concept behind the newest Galaxy Z series is “Emotive Slim” — an approach that focuses not only on reducing thickness, but also on how slim it looks and feels in everyday use.

We applied a gentle slope to the frame to make the foldable easier to open and created a more curved outer silhouette for a softer, more comfortable grip. We also minimised the flat side profile to create a visually slimmer appearance.

Q: Why was a passport chosen as the design inspiration for the new Galaxy Z Fold8?

The classic passport is designed to be easy to carry, hold with one hand and read at a glance. Those same ergonomic principles shaped Galaxy Z Fold8, extending our focus on comfort throughout the device’s overall layout.

When folded, it features a 16:10 aspect ratio optimiszed for one-handed use. Unfolded, it becomes a more immersive 4:3 display with balanced symmetry.

Q: How were these colours chosen for the new Galaxy Z series?

Each colour was chosen to reflect the lifestyle of the people each device is designed for. Violet Shadow gives Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra a chic, sophisticated look, while Lavender brings freshness and softness to Galaxy Z Fold8. Pink adds vibrant, playful energy to Galaxy Z Flip8. Cream and Graphite round out the palette with timeless versatility.

Q: How did Samsung refine the design of Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9?

If a smartphone lives in the hand, a smartwatch delivers its greatest value when it’s comfortable enough to wear every day. That’s why our approach to the new Galaxy Watch series focused on refinement rather than reinvention, preserving our core design while enhancing the details that matter most.

At the centre of Galaxy Watch is the cushion design. More than a shape, it defines the watch’s identity by balancing presence with softness and precision with comfort. For Galaxy Watch Ultra2, we brought the screen, bezel and cushion body into a seamless form, creating a cleaner profile and a more premium look. We also carefully refined the spacing and tactile separation between the buttons, making each one easier to distinguish by touch and enabling precise control without looking at the screen.

Q: How have the bands on Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 changed?

Bands play a critical role in wearability. For this generation, we made them lighter, thinner and more breathable with a new air pocket structure.

Because every wrist is different, we used computational design to validate comfort and fit. We refined the balance between the watch body and band for greater stability on the wrist, while expanded band options give users more ways to express their personal style.

Q: What design philosophy ties this year’s Galaxy devices together?

In an era shaped by AI-driven change, human-centered values are more important than ever. Design shouldn’t only be seen — it should also be felt. For design to feel truly human, it must begin with a deep understanding of how people live, work and interact with technology every day. That belief has guided our approach to designing foldables and smartwatches.

[1] Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models.

Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip8

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced that Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch9, and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 are now available in Australia.

The local availability is live as Samsung Electronics Australia sets a new record – its most successful foldable pre-order to-date, with solid double-digit growth year on year. Attracting its highest number of new to Samsung switchers, with Galaxy Z Fold8 leading the mix. The latest Galaxy Z series have also seen an increase in younger Australians, influenced by the portability and pocketability of the foldable form factor. By colour, Graphite and Lavender were the most popular among Australians who opted for the Galaxy Z Fold8, while Violet Shadow and Graphite were preferred for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. Pink and Graphite were the top colour picks for the Galaxy Z Flip8.

Eric Chou, Vice President of Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia, said, “We are committed to delivering Australians a mobile experience that goes beyond the hardware – spanning security, service, software and Galaxy AI – reflected in our latest, most complete Galaxy foldable and wearable line-up yet. Our all-new Galaxy devices are anchored by AI that aims to make everyday life more convenient and meaningful, while paired with our strong privacy assurance via our Knox-defence grade security solution. Most importantly, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 each offer distinct experiences, designed for different Australian lifestyles, proudly reinforcing we invest in a holistic mobile experience that goes beyond the core use of a smartphone or smartwatch.”

Samsung Expands its Foldable Leadership with Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8

With seven generations of foldable innovation behind it, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Series offers devices designed for immersive entertainment, powerful productivity, and on-the-go creativity.

The all-new Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a first-of-its-kind passport-inspired form factor that transforms how users consume content, seamlessly shifting between quick interactions and immersive viewing, reading and gaming. Lightweight and ready for everyday use, it combines Galaxy AI, powerful performance and an advanced dual 50MP camera system[1] in Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold device yet.[2]

For those seeking the ultimate foldable experience, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra delivers Samsung’s most advanced foldable yet. Featuring an expansive 8-inch display,[3] Ultra-grade camera capabilities, all-day battery life[4] and flagship performance, it is designed for Australians who want to create, multitask, and stay productive from anywhere.

Meanwhile, Galaxy Z Flip8 is Samsung’s slimmest and lightest flip phone ever,[5][6] weighing just 180g[7], and it brings together style, convenience and self-expression in a compact design. With a reimagined AI-powered FlexWindow, enhanced camera capabilities, and Samsung’s signature Flex Mode[8] experience, Galaxy Z Flip8 makes it easier to capture and stay connected on the go.

Across the new Galaxy Z Series, Samsung continues to enhance content creation with Galaxy AI-powered tools and camera features, including My FanCam[9] making it easier to capture, edit, and share content. The lineup also benefits from Samsung’s new Flex Titanium technology, delivering slimmer, stronger, and a more refined foldable.[10]

“For almost a decade, we have proudly pioneered the foldable category, and are thrilled with Australians’ overwhelmingly positive response to our latest Galaxy Z series, especially our Galaxy Fold8,” said Nathan Rigger, Head of Product, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Australia. “Our record foldable pre-order performance solidifies our continued confidence in the category, and drive to meet Australians evolving needs. With Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8 we strive to transform the way Australians consume media, connect and express themselves, by setting new standards in performance and functionality.”

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 Deliver Intelligent Health and Wellness Experiences

Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch Ultra2

Samsung’s latest Galaxy Watch lineup offers Australians two distinct smartwatch options, designed to support everything from everyday wellbeing to high-performance training. Across both devices, Samsung’s latest AI-powered health features help users proactively manage key areas such as activity, recovery, cardiovascular health, and sleep.

Built for adventurers and high-performance athletes, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is Samsung’s most advanced smartwatch yet. Designed to perform in demanding environments, it combines specialised sports tracking, health and wellness monitoring, and Samsung’s brightest watch display ever with up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness.[11] With a larger battery, enhanced durability, and powerful performance, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is engineered to help users push further whether they’re training, exploring or tackling everyday challenges.

For those seeking an everyday wellness companion, Galaxy Watch9 delivers powerful insights in a lightweight and comfortable design. Featuring lasting battery, a bright display, and AI-powered health insights through Samsung Health[12] and Galaxy AI, Galaxy Watch9 helps users build better habits through effortless all-day tracking, and actionable insights.

“Health and wellness look different for everyone, which is why we’ve designed our latest Galaxy Watch line-up to support a broad range of Australian lifestyles, goals, and routines,” said Kylie Mason, Head of Wearables, Mobile eXperience, Samsung Electronics Australia. “Whether it’s pushing your limits outdoors with Galaxy Watch Ultra2 or building better everyday habits with Galaxy Watch9, these devices combine advanced health insights, AI-powered coaching, and all-day comfort to help Australians build better habits and stay on track.”

Australian Launch Events, Activations and Campaigns

To celebrate the Samsung collaboration with Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”, Spider-Man recently paid a visit to two friendly neighbourhood Samsung Experience Stores in NSW and VIC.

At the Samsung Experience Store Chadstone on Saturday, 8 August, and the Samsung Experience Store Parramatta on Sunday, 9 August, fans had the opportunity to meet Spider-Man and capture the moment on the latest Galaxy Z Series devices.

Galaxy Experts were on hand to showcase why Samsung foldables are breakout stars, bringing the innovation and excitement of the Galaxy Z Series to life for customers.

See how Samsung flips into action for Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” with a cinematic spot starring Jacob Batalon.

Samsung’s launch of the new Galaxy Z Series, Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is supported by a national integrated marketing campaign expected to reach 96.7% of Australia’s Gen MZ audience.

The launch will feature landmark outdoor advertising across Melbourne and Sydney, including premium digital placements at Melbourne’s Emporium and Sydney’s Broadway & George precincts, complemented by more than 3,300 out-of-home panels nationwide spanning retail, transit and street furniture.

Samsung will also bring the Galaxy experience to consumers through a major retail presence at Melbourne’s Highpoint Shopping Centre, alongside content partnerships with leading creators and publishers across Twitch, ARN’s Footy & Friends and Mamamia’s The Spill, integrating Galaxy devices into entertainment, lifestyle and sporting conversations across Australia.

Availability

From August 14, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 are available to order in Australia, with pricing and colour options listed below:

Pricing

Additionally, New Galaxy Club in Australia – an upgrade and protection program – offers up to 50% of an eligible device’s recommended retail price back when customers move to an eligible next-generation Galaxy phone between 9 to 13 months after signing up. The program also includes Samsung Care+ for repairs and support, and it’s available with the Galaxy Z Series via Samsung.com/au on a monthly or one-year upfront plan.[13]

For more information about the Galaxy Z Series, Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and Galaxy Watch9, please visit: Samsung Australia Newsroom, and Samsung.com/au.

[1] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

[2] Weight may vary by country or region.

[3] Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s Cover Screen size is 6.5” in the full rectangle and 6.5” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 8.0” in the full rectangle and 8.0” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.

[4] Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, the number of times charged, and many other factors.

[5] Compared to previous Galaxy Z Flip models. Galaxy Z Flip8 measures 13.1mm when folded and 6.1mm when unfolded. Thickness measured from top to bottom of the glass at the thinnest point. The Z Flip8 measures 180g in weight and the Z Flip7 measures 188g.

[6] Compared to previous models.

[7] Weight may vary by country or region.

[8] Flex Mode supported at angles between 75° and 115°. Some apps may not be supported in Flex Mode.

[9] Results may vary depending on shooting conditions and environment. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[10] Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models.

[11] Based on market research of globally released smartwatches as of June 2026. The 5,000-nit specification refers to the localised peak brightness achieved under high ambient light and full-screen brightness may differ. Actual brightness may vary or be limited depending on environmental factors, device temperature and usage conditions.

[12] Samsung Health is not a medical/therapeutic device. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[13] The ability to purchase New Galaxy Club (generally) is available to consumers only via Samsung.com and through the Enhanced Partnership Program (excluding the Samsung Staff Portal). It is not available to customers shopping on Samsung Business Shop. New Galaxy Club and Samsung Care+ are not insurance products. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ and New Galaxy Club promotion benefit, registration may be required. For detailed information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/au/new-galaxy-club/.

With only two days left of the pre-order period remaining, the latest Galaxy Z series is on track to achieve its most successful pre-order result to date, driven by an overwhelmingly positive response to the brand new Galaxy Z Fold8.  Australians can continue to pre-order the new Galaxy devices until 11:59PM AEST Thursday, 13 August, giving consumers the opportunity to secure technology designed to adapt to their individual lifestyles before general availability.

Amongst those who said they would buy a Foldable from Samsung, 65% said they would do so because they felt Samsung is a trusted brand [2] . After pioneering the foldable smartphones category almost a decade ago and leading the foldables category through seven generations of innovation, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z series represents its most complete foldable lineup yet, giving Australians a choice of devices tailored to different lifestyles and priorities.

According to Samsung research, 84% of Australians say size, portability and the ability to fit inside a pocket, purse or wallet are among the most important factors when choosing a smartphone[3]. As Australian consumers increasingly look for devices that are easier to carry without compromising capability, foldable phones are reshaping expectations around smartphone design.

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a first-of-its-kind passport-sized form factor to the Australian market, designed to transform the way users consume content. With smartphone entertainment and content consumption continuing to grow, the unique design enables a seamless transition between portrait and landscape experiences, creating a more immersive way to stream, browse, game and connect.

For Australians seeking flagship-level performance, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra brings together advanced hardware and Galaxy AI[4] in a foldable design optimised for productivity, highlighting how the next generation of foldable smartphones can help users work, create and multitask more efficiently. Featuring a long-lasting battery[5], ultra-fast charging as well as a 200 megapixel main camera[6], the same resolution as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra released earlier this year, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra has been designed to support increasingly mobile work and personal lifestyles.

Meanwhile, Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung’s thinnest and lightest Flip device yet at just 180g[7] and 6.1 mm (unfolded), delivers convenience and flexibility for Australians prioritising pocketability without sacrificing performance when choosing their next smartphone.

Nathan Rigger, Head of Product, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia, said: “We know smartphone users aren’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we’ve built our best and most complete foldable lineup to date. The Galaxy Z series brings together breakthrough design, powerful performance and personalised AI experiences, empowering Australians to find the foldable that best meets their needs.”

“The Galaxy Z Fold8 represents a new chapter for foldables, and it is the first of its kind in Australia. With more Australians claiming size and portability as an important smartphone purchase driver, we are excited to introduce a new foldable standard, a device that reimagines smartphone design and redefines content consumption.”

Beyond smartphones, Australians are increasingly turning to wearable technology and smartwatch health tracking to help manage their health and wellbeing. With 85% of Australians regularly or occasionally participating in some type of exercise[8], the company has expanded its wearable portfolio with two distinct smartwatch experiences.

Kylie Mason, Head of Wearables, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia, said: “As Australians become more focused on proactive health management, demand is growing for smartwatches that deliver meaningful health insights, not just data. Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 combine AI-powered health tracking, fitness monitoring and personalised wellness guidance to help Australians better understand their body and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing.”

“From everyday wellness to extreme adventures, we’ve designed our latest Galaxy Watches to meet Australians wherever they are on their health journey, while delivering the comfort, performance and reliability they expect from a premium smartwatch.”

The Galaxy Watch9 is designed as an everyday wellness companion, combining enhanced comfort, powerful performance, and AI-powered health insights to help Australians better understand their daily wellbeing. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Samsung’s most powerful smartwatch yet, has been built for adventurers and performance-focused users, offering specialised sports tracking, Samsung’s brightest display[9] and largest battery[10] in a Galaxy Watch.

Powered by Samsung Health[11] and Galaxy AI[12], both devices provide proactive health monitoring and personalised insights, helping Australians take a more holistic approach to wellness. Together, Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 offer Australians a choice between an everyday wellness companion and a performance-focused fitness smartwatch designed for more demanding adventures.

Findings are based on research conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of Samsung Electronics Australia from 7-11 July 2026 among a nationally representative sample of 1,017 Australians. Additional findings are based on research conducted by Kantar Singapore on behalf of Samsung Electronics with 326 Australians between 15 and 19 July 2026.

For more information, visit www.samsung.com/au/smartphones/ and www.samsung.com/au/watches/ or join the conversation at @samsungau using #FoldOrFlip.

[1] Availability and features may vary depending on market, model and the smartphone paired. All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

[2] Source: N=326 Australians aged over 18years Conducted by Kantar Singapore for Samsung

[3] Samsung research conducted between July 7 2026 and July 11 2026 by PureProfile on behalf of Samsung Electronics Australia on a sample of 1017 Australians.

[4] Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI basic features are those listed under “Advanced Intelligence” in the current Samsung T&C’s. For details visit www.samsung.com/au/.

[5] Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, the number of times charged, and many other factors.

[6] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving

subjects.

[7] Weight may vary by country or region.

[8] Samsung research conducted between July 7 2026 and July 11 2026 by PureProfile on behalf of Samsung Electronics Australia on a sample of 1017 Australians.

[9] Based on market research of globally released smartwatches as of June 2026. The 5,000-nit specification refers to the localised peak brightness achieved under high ambient light and full-screen brightness may differ. Actual brightness may vary or be limited depending on environmental factors, device temperature and usage conditions.

[10] Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has an 800mAh capacity battery and Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) has a 590mAh capacity battery.

[11] Samsung Health, Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 are not medical/therapeutic devices. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program. Must be paired with a compatible Galaxy smartphone.

[12] Basic Samsung Galaxy AI features are free. Future releases may be offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for third party AI features.

Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 feature the Snapdragon Wear® Elite Platform, alongside the line-up’s largest battery and brightest display ever.

“We believe AI’s most meaningful impact is helping us live healthier lives. Healthcare should be preventive so that people can manage their health in an effortless, continuous and deeply personalised way,” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President and Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “The new Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 represent a massive leap forward in realising Samsung’s health vision. By continuously tracking health data from the wrist, these new watches help to act as a vigilant health companion, turning daily vital signs into proactive, actionable insights and providing timely alerts.”

Galaxy Watch Ultra2: Fuel Your Ambitions and Achieve Peak Performance Through Unrivalled Hardware and Specialised Sports Tracking

The new 47 mm Galaxy Watch Ultra2 in Titanium Grey.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is our most powerful and advanced Galaxy Watch ever, built for extreme outdoor activities and high-performance seekers who demand long-lasting performance, reliability, precise tracking and continuous health monitoring in extreme conditions.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2’s dedicated tracking modes for outdoor sports help users excel and safely push their limits. The exclusive Trail Run[3] feature tracks detailed elevation, climbing progress and terrain impact to help you better pace yourself and reduce injury risk. It also provides real-time hydration guidance through Nutrition Alert,[4] a new addition to our existing Sweat Loss feature. By measuring your sweat loss relative to body weight, it provides guidance on when and how much to hydrate, helping you to monitor your heart health and helping you achieve your running goals.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 provides detailed trail running data on its 5,000-nit, clear display

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is also water resistant and is an EN13319 certified diving instrument. Rated IP69K, 10 ATM and EN13319 certified,[5] it’s not just dust- and water-resistant, it’s an EN13319 certified diving instrument. The moment you enter the water, it automatically tracks real-time diving data such as depth, time and water temperature right from your wrist.

Once a user enters the water, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 automatically tracks real-time diving data.

To power these pro-level sports health features, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is built with unprecedented hardware performance. It is equipped with a massive 800 mAh battery — a 35% capacity increase compared to the previous Ultra model.[6] Driven by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon® Elite platform,[7] it establishes a new benchmark in power, speed and GPS tracking. The expanded display provides a smartwatch world-first 5,000 nits of brightness,[8] providing clear visibility even under intense sunlight.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 retains its tough titanium casing to ensure rugged strength, while also introducing enhanced comfort and stability for a broader, more diverse range of users. Despite a larger battery,[9] Galaxy Watch Ultra2 achieves an innovative slimmer[10] design that transitions seamlessly from rugged outdoor and sports activities to everyday lifestyle use. Advanced internal re-engineering reduces the device’s thickness by 12% compared to the previous generation. Coupled with lighter and softer bands that reduce weight, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 delivers 24/7 wearability, health data tracking and exceptional comfort.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 will be available in a 47 mm size in Titanium Silver and Titanium Grey.

Galaxy Watch9: Everyday Wellness with All-Day Comfort and Lasting Battery

Galaxy Watch9 is available with different band materials and colours, including soft silicone and lightweight fabric options.

Galaxy Watch9 is the ultimate everyday health companion, designed for wellness-conscious users who want to build healthier habits through effortless, continuous health tracking. By simply wearing it, this versatile watch turns personal biomarkers into actionable health insights, empowering users to effortlessly manage their daily routines and take proactive control of their long-term well-being.

To maximise its role as a health companion, Galaxy Watch9 is backed by powerful hardware and an incredibly comfortable design. It features a lightweight yet tough aluminium casing that preserves Galaxy Watch’s signature cushion silhouette, refined specifically for a closer, more natural fit on the wrist. Combined with a wide range of interchangeable, soft-touch bands, Galaxy Watch9 ensures unmatched all-day comfort — enabling the continuous, 24/7 wear required to capture accurate and consistent health data.

This exceptional wearability is powered by next-generation internal innovations. Driven by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon® Elite platform,[11] Galaxy Watch9 delivers a massive boost in speed and processing power for seamless, lag-free health monitoring. It is equipped with an efficient 390 mAh battery[12] that ensures dependable, around-the-clock tracking from day to night. Furthermore, a brilliant 3,000–nit display guarantees effortless readability and clear visibility under different lighting conditions, making it easy to check your health status at a glance.

Galaxy Watch9 will be available in two sizes, 40 mm and 44 mm. Galaxy Watch9 40 mm is available in Graphite and Cream, while Galaxy Watch9 44 mm is available in Graphite and Silver.

AI-Powered Health Intelligence: Comprehensive and Actionable Health Insights

At the core of Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 is Samsung’s AI-powered health intelligence. Galaxy Watch’s advanced biosensors capture continuous data about a user’s lifestyle habits to develop a deep understanding of their health. Using advanced AI models, Galaxy Watch translates health insights into simple, proactive recommendations, helping users understand not just what is happening in their bodies, but what to do next.[13]

The new capabilities — available on both Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 — advance Samsung’s preventive care vision by combining everyday data with years of rigorous clinical research conducted with world-renowned universities and medical institutions. Built on this foundation, the Galaxy Watch helps to deliver more accurate and meaningful health guidance across key pillars including sleep, activity, cardiovascular health and recovery.

• Vitals:[14] Proactively monitor your personal health baseline while you sleep and receive seamless alerts for significant deviations.
• Heart Health Score:[15] Gain an effortless understanding of your cardiovascular wellness through a simple, actionable score and personalised lifestyle recommendations.
• Daily Cardio Load:[16] Optimise your training using tailored guidance on your workout volume and estimated recovery needs.
• Fitness Index:[17] Uncover a holistic view of your physical strength with personalised goals to improve everyday performance.
• Hearing:[18] Protect your long-term hearing health with alerts for unsafe noise levels and detailed reports.

With these features, users gain access to intelligent, personalised insights that empower them to seamlessly manage their long-term wellness journey and reach their goals.

Galaxy Watch features include Vitals to alert users to significant health deviations.

Designed for Every Lifestyle: Purpose-Built Band Collections

Your smartwatch should be as unique as you are, and both Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 offer a range of diverse band options to fit every lifestyle.

Because elite performance demands the right gear for the right moment, Samsung offers a specialised collection of Ultra bands. Whether you are tackling rugged terrain, swimming or heading into a business meeting, you have the flexibility to choose the perfect band tailored to your specific purpose and environment, ensuring optimal functionality without compromising on style:

• The Marine Band, an light, breathable silicone band designed for all-day adventures and extreme conditions.
• The Peakform Band, a hybrid material band delivering a premium finish optimised for both elegance and athletic performance.
• The Trail Band, a classic fabric band featuring enhanced breathability and a superior fit for lasting comfort, even during demanding outdoor activities like running.

Designed with ultimate self-expression in mind, the expansive new Watch9 band collection empowers you to showcase your personal style and customise your look. Featuring innovative new materials and a vibrant spectrum of colours, these bands maximise comfort across diverse activities — from intense workouts to your everyday routines:

• The Sports Band, a thin, soft all-rounder for ultimate comfort and effortless transitions from workouts to daily life.
• The Misty Band, crafted from premium soft silicone that securely wraps your wrist for a stable, bounce-free fit. Featuring subtle and soft two-tone colours, it delivers a sophisticated look that effortlessly complements your everyday style.
• The Fabric Band, a lightweight, breathable daily band offering maximum comfort — even while you sleep.

Samsung Care+: Quick Access to Diagnostics and More

To give users peace of mind after upgrading, Samsung Care+[i] offers comprehensive protection with fast repairs for accidental damage, extended warranty coverage and certified expert support at home and abroad, making it easier to stay covered wherever life takes them.

Additionally, Galaxy Watch users can manage their Samsung Care+ plan from the Warranty and care menu available on Galaxy mobile phones running on One UI 9. This is a new settings hub that gives users quick access to warranty information, self-diagnostics, repair requests, remote support and Samsung Care+ services — all from their mobile phone.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 come with exclusive subscription trial benefits:

• Strava 60-Day Free Trial[19]: Users can start training with the world’s most active community, where 195 million active people across 185 countries track every effort and cheer each other on. But Strava goes beyond training — users can connect with their community and discover new running routes by tracking workouts directly on their watch, then opening the Strava app on their mobile phone. To activate a free trial, users can open the Strava mobile app, go to Settings and tap the Samsung offer.
• iFIT 2-Month Free Trial[20]: Users can explore global destinations with elite iFIT trainers and track workouts directly on their watch. To activate a free trial, users can open the Samsung Health app on their mobile phone and tap promotion in the Settings menu.

Availability

Together with the new Galaxy Z series, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 expands Samsung’s AI ecosystem, bringing life companion experiences across every form factor, from wrist to pocket to home.

Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are available for pre-order in Australia starting July 23, with general availability starting August 14.

To give users added peace of mind, Samsung Care+[21] offers certified expert support both at home and abroad with comprehensive coverage and fast repairs for accidental damages. Customers who purchase a new Galaxy Watch on Samsung.com.au and enroll in a monthly Samsung Care+ plan will receive the first three months of coverage at no cost.

Additionally, Galaxy Watch users can manage their Samsung Care+ plan from Warranty and care menu available on Galaxy mobile phone running on One UI 9. This is a new settings hub that gives users quick access to warranty information, self-diagnostics, repair requests, remote support and Samsung Care+ services – all from their mobile phone.

To learn more about Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, please visit: Samsung Australia Newsroom or Samsung.com.au

Specifications

[1] Availability and features may vary depending on market, model and the smartphone paired. All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

[2] Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

[3] Trail Run is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v7.0 or above). Samsung account login required. Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra2.

[4] To activate Nutrition Alert, go to the exercise settings and enable the Nutrition feature. Please note that the Nutrition Alert is only supported for certain specific activities.

[5] Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has obtained EN13319 certification, which is a standard applicable to instruments measuring water depth by the environmental pressure as used by divers and also the dive time in certain condition. Water resistance is not a permanent condition and can diminish over time. If it’s been exposed to seawater, rinse it in freshwater and dry after use. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is water resistant for 10 minutes in water with a depth of 100 metres according to the ISO22810 standard. Third party testing was conducted in 5% salty water and 4ppm chlorine water. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has an IP69K rating based on lab test conditions, in accordance with ISO 20653 and is dust and water resistant. It can withstand water during high-pressure/steam jet cleaning at a distance of up to 150mm, with sprays at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° for 30 seconds, per position. IPX9K does not test for diving or high pressure water activities suitability. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has an IP68 rating based on lab test conditions and is dust resistant and water resistant for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Third party testing was conducted in 5% salty water and 4ppm chlorine water. IP68 does not test for diving or high pressure water activities suitability. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has obtained MIL-STD-810H Certification and has been tested under various specific lab conditions, including temperatures ranging from -40° C to 80° C, high altitude pressure at 15,000 ft and transit drop test at a height of 1.5 metres on a plywood surface. Actual results may vary. Refer to the user manual for further information, including care/use instructions.

[6] Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has an 800mAh capacity battery and Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) has a 590mAh capacity battery.

[7] Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

[8] Based on market research of globally released smartwatches as of June 2026. The 5,000-nit specification refers to the localised peak brightness achieved under high ambient light and full-screen brightness may differ. Actual brightness may vary or be limited depending on environmental factors, device temperature and usage conditions.

[9] Compared to Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025). Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has an 800mAh capacity battery and Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) has a 590mAh capacity battery.

[10] Compared to the previous Galaxy Watch Ultra.

[11] Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

[12] Galaxy Watch9 40mm has a 390mAh battery capacity.

[13] Samsung Health is not a medical/therapeutic device. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[14] Vitals is available on Samsung Galaxy phones and requires Samsung Health app. Samsung Account login required. Requires initial setup wearing the Galaxy Watch for 7 out of 28 nights. Vitals is not a medical/therapeutic feature. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program

[15] Heart health is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v7.0 or above). Samsung Account login required. Requires initial setup wearing watch for 24 hours (including awake and asleep). To calculate Heart health score, data on related lifestyle factors – including sleep duration, BMI, vascular trends and stress, and moderate to vigorous activity time – must be collected. To use this feature, you need a Galaxy Watch7 or above with One UI 9 or above. Heart health score is not a medical/therapeutic feature. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[16] Daily Cardio Load is available on Samsung Galaxy phones and requires Samsung Health app. Samsung Account login is required. To use the Daily Cardio Load features, at least 7 days of activity records are required, while 28 days of continuous wear is recommended for optimal accuracy. Please note that values may increase in daily situations where heart rate rises, such as during tension, anxiety, or stress. Daily Cardio Load is not a medical/therapeutic feature. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[17] Fitness Index on Galaxy Watch9 is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app v7.0 or above. Samsung account login required. To use the feature, BIA and VO2Max each need to be measured at least once, along with 2 days of activity records and step count data. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[18] To use the features, activation from the Watch is needed (Samsung Health > Hearing > Settings > Sound Monitoring “On”).

[19] STRAVA is owned and operated by Strava, Inc. Free 60-day Strava subscription trial promotion is available worldwide, excluding Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, sanctioned parts of Ukraine and South Korea.

[20] iFit is a trademark of iFit Health & Fitness Inc. Free 2-month iFIT subscription trial promotion is available only in the following 23 markets: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

[21] Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during your travel, contact the visiting country/region’s local customer services center in advance for Samsung Care+ availability.

[i] Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during travel, contact the visiting country/region’s local customer service center in advance for Samsung Care+ availability.

As AI becomes an integral part of daily life, mobile devices serve as the primary entry point for unlocking its full potential. What matters most is how AI can be meaningfully integrated into everyday life — seamlessly, intuitively and in ways that truly offer support. We are focused on bringing these intelligent experiences to our entire ecosystem, with Galaxy Watch playing a critical role as a health-first, always-on gateway for advanced, personalised AI.

Simply wearing the new Galaxy Watch is all it takes to experience a whole new level of effortless wellness. Galaxy Watch works continuously in the background, making comprehensive healthcare a seamless part of your daily routine. Powered by all-new internal components and a larger battery[1], the upcoming Watch is built to track your health with accuracy.

Galaxy Watch has always understood us in ways we can’t always see — tracking how we rest, move and sleep. Now enhanced by intelligent, AI-driven insights, it is evolving to help us better understand and proactively manage our health in real time.

Join us for Galaxy Unpacked on July 22, at 11pm AEST, as we introduce the next evolution of Galaxy Watch. Discover how the new Galaxy Watch empowers you to take control of your wellness and live a healthier life within a connected AI ecosystem.

The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom and Samsung’s YouTube channel beginning at 11pm AEST and 2 p.m. BST.

Stay tuned and make sure to register at samsung.com/au/unpacked for exclusive benefits, upcoming teasers, trailers, and updates ahead of Galaxy Unpacked July 2026.

[1] Compared to the previous model.

Samsung Electronics today announced a major update to the Samsung Health app[1], transforming the upcoming Galaxy Watch into an intelligent health partner. Starting 8 June, Samsung will begin rolling out the app update to showcase the key health features included in the upcoming Galaxy Watch. The update[2] makes daily health management effortless by translating complex biometric data — from overnight sleep to daily activity — into simple, actionable guidance.

“Samsung Health is evolving to connect health data measured by Galaxy Watch with AI-based insights, enabling users to understand their physical and mental condition more easily and intuitively,” said Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Health Team for the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung Electronics will continue to expand personalised health management experiences based on the connected Galaxy ecosystem and digital health innovations.”

This advancement is a key milestone in Samsung’s overarching vision for a truly AI-powered health platform designed to help users stay ahead of their health. The newly announced health features will first be available on the upcoming Galaxy Watch.

Features Transforming Galaxy Watch into an Intelligent Health Partner

The Samsung Health update comes with the following features:

• Vitals[3]: A Better Understanding of the Body’s Signals — Previously, Samsung Health monitored specific health metrics to help measure users’ daily Energy Score. Now, Samsung Health is taking this a step further. When users wake up, the new Vitals feature analyses five key overnight bio-signals — heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature and blood oxygen — against their true resting baseline. It sends notifications only when it detects meaningful deviations, helping users determine if they need more rest or are fighting an illness, without causing alert fatigue.

• Heart Health Score[4]: Last year, Samsung introduced Vascular Load to help users monitor vascular stress and adopt a more holistic approach to health.[5] Today, that vision evolves into the Heart Health Score. This single daily metric takes the insights previously found in Vascular Load — such as sleep, stress and activity — and combines them with body composition data. The result is a unified score that clearly identifies the habits impacting users’ long-term well-being, giving them clarity on key metrics related to their heart health.

• Daily Cardio Load[6]: Smarter Cardiovascular Training — When users are deciding how hard to push during aerobic exercise, Daily Cardio Load measures accumulated cardiovascular strain. By calculating daily load and maximum training capacity, it recommends optimal training targets and rest times to help users reach their goals without risking burnout or injury.

• Fitness Index[7]: Seamless Progress Tracking — The Fitness Index ensures exercise routines are working by analysing metrics like heart rate, VO₂ max (a key measure of aerobic fitness) and daily steps against users’ peers. By clearly identifying individual physical strengths and weaknesses, it delivers tailored content and personalised goals so users can make continuous, targeted improvements

New Samsung Health Design for a Simplified, Personal Experience

To make these insights easy to find, Samsung Health introduces a streamlined layout organised into five core pillars: Sleep, Activity, Nutrition, Mindfulness and Vitals. Within the Home screen, users can now easily access their daily wellness tips alongside their AI-powered Energy Score. This centralised view removes guesswork from health management, allowing users to quickly understand how different aspects of their routine interconnect at a single glance.

Upgraded Capabilities for Proactive Wellness

Samsung Health is also significantly advancing the core features users already rely on, delivering deeper personalisation with greater precision. As users navigate their day, Antioxidant Index now provides new trend charts and daily history logs.[8] Behind the scenes, the AGEs index has been enhanced to quietly work in the background, capturing automatic overnight measurements to help build a long-term picture of how lifestyle choices accumulate in users’ bodies.[9] This helps users uncover health insights that truly matter for their well-being.

Comprehensive wellness extends to external environments, as well, with Samsung offering a brand-new Hearing Health feature that integrates seamlessly across the Galaxy ecosystem.[10] By monitoring surrounding ambient noise through Galaxy Watch, it delivers personalised analytics to help protect the user’s ears — whether they are on a loud commute or dialing up the music during a workout.

Together, these advanced refinements and new ecosystem-connected features turn everyday data into simple, practical guidance, setting the perfect stage for the future of Samsung Health.

A Seamlessly Connected Health Ecosystem

Samsung’s expansive ecosystem unlocks the true power of these new features, seamlessly managing health across users’ Galaxy mobile phones and connected devices. This frictionless integration ensures that personalised insights are always accessible, providing a unified view of user well-being. These advancements offer a glimpse into the future of Samsung Health — a future that will be fully realised with the launch of Samsung’s next generation of Galaxy Watches, engineered to bring this intelligence to life like never before.

[1] Samsung Health is not a medical/therapeutic device. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[2] New health features are for wellness only, not for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If concerned about health, be sure to see a medical professional. Available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v7.0 or above). Samsung account login required. Certain features may require user activity and data accumulation over time to enable personalised results. Feature availability, supported devices and rollout timing may vary by market, model and other factors and are subject to change.

[3] Vitals is available on Samsung Galaxy phones and requires Samsung Health app. Samsung Account login required. Requires initial setup wearing the Galaxy Watch for 7 out of 28 nights. Vitals is not a medical/therapeutic feature. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program

[4] Heart health is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v7.0 or above). Samsung Account login required. Requires initial setup wearing watch for 24 hours (including awake and asleep). To calculate Heart health score, data on related lifestyle factors – including sleep duration, BMI, vascular trends and stress, and moderate to vigorous activity time – must be collected. To use this feature, you need a Galaxy Watch7 or above with One UI 9 or above. Heart health score is not a medical/therapeutic feature. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[5] Vascular Load feature assesses certain bio-signals overnight against your baseline, and tracks your heart rate measurements over time. Galaxy Watch must be worn when sleeping for at least 3 days out of recent 14 days. Vascular load feature does not act as a medical/therapeutic device. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[6] Daily Cardio Load is available on Samsung Galaxy phones and requires Samsung Health app. Samsung Account login is required. To use the Daily Cardio Load features, at least 7 days of activity records are required, while 28 days of continuous wear is recommended for optimal accuracy. Please note that values may increase in daily situations where heart rate rises, such as during tension, anxiety, or stress. Daily Cardio Load is not a medical/therapeutic feature. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[7] Fitness Index on Galaxy Watch9 is available on Android phones (Android 13 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app v7.0 or above. Samsung account login required. To use the feature, BIA and VO2Max each need to be measured at least once, along with 2 days of activity records and step count data. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

[8] Antioxidant Index available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or above). Samsung account login required. Antioxidant Index measures carotenoid levels. To measure, place the center of your finger on the sensor at the back of the Watch and hold it for 5 seconds. While antioxidant index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for the most accurate result. Repeated measurement due to uneven skin texture may lead to inaccurate results. Antioxidant Index is for fitness and wellness only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult a medical professional for advice if you’re concerned about your antioxidant level.

[9] Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) index requires Samsung Account login and Samsung Health app 6.27 or later. Available on devices with Android OS 10 (Q OS) or later. Requires wearing Galaxy Watch to sleep. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition. AGEs index is for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

[10] To use the features, activation from the Watch is needed (Samsung Health > Hearing > Settings > Sound Monitoring “On”).

To mark World Sleep Day 2026, a global study of Samsung Health users[2] is shedding new light on the true extent of the condition and the disruptive impact it has on your sleep. Aligned with this year’s World Sleep Day theme, “Sleep Well, Live Better,” Samsung is turning the invisible signs of sleep apnea into actionable insights through its Galaxy Watch series, helping those affected improve their sleep habits and overall health.

Image: Infographic including all key data on impact of sleep apnea

How Does Sleep Apnea Impact Your Sleep?

The report[2] found that 23% of study participants are at risk of sleep apnea.

“The microarousals and awakenings that follow breathing pauses fragment your sleep,” explains behavioural sleep scientist Dr. Vanessa Hill. “Those occurrences can prevent the brain from staying in the REM and deep sleep stages necessary for cognitive and physical restoration.”

The report[2] shows these constant disruptions take a direct toll on sleep duration and quality, leading to:

• Reduced REM Sleep: Participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea indicators detected by their Galaxy Watch got around four minutes less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the phase where our brains process emotions, consolidate memories and cement learning. Without enough of it, people can experience mood instability and memory problems, impacting performance at work and overall well-being.
• Less Deep Sleep: Sleep apnea also robs sufferers of deep sleep, approximately eight minutes less per night, on average. This is the body’s critical physical restoration phase, where growth hormone is released, muscles are repaired, and your immune system is activated. Losing out on deep sleep is why you may feel physically exhausted, have slower recovery times, and get sick more often.
• Frequent Nightly Awakenings: Study participants with signs of sleep apnea also woke up regularly during the night and stayed awake around four minutes longer. These interruptions derail the sleep cycle, locking you into lighter, less restorative stages and making next-day exhaustion inevitable, no matter how long you slept.
• Shorter Sleep Duration: Overall, people with a higher likelihood of sleep apnea averaged around 12 minutes less sleep. While this loss may seem minor, it can have a significant impact on overall sleep quality as your sleep cycle gets fragmented throughout the night.

Why It Matters: “Even a small loss in sleep duration is compounded by a larger loss of sleep quality,” said Dr. Hill. “This can be the difference between simply being ‘in bed’ and getting restorative rest, which could be why people feel so tired the next day.”

Dr. Hill also advocates a multidimensional approach to sleep health. “Sleep apnea affects many dimensions of sleep — duration, quality, sleep efficiency and even daytime fatigue,” she stated. “They together help determine our health and functioning.”

With sleep apnea shown to impact all aspects of sleep and lead to other health complications, detection is an essential first step in the fight against the condition.

How Does Galaxy Watch Help Detect Signs of Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea?   

For years, sleep apnea has been difficult to detect due to the need for inconvenient hospital tests. However, Samsung offers at-home detection with a first-of-its-kind Sleep Apnea[3] feature on your Galaxy Watch.

• How It Works: Users simply track their sleep with a compatible Galaxy Watch[4] for more than four hours over two nights within a ten-day period. Available through the Samsung Health Monitor app, the Sleep Apnea feature may help users to proactively spot signs of the condition.
• The Technology: Leveraging the Galaxy Watch’s BioActive Sensor, the feature provides general insights into blood oxygen patterns during sleep. These insights may help users stay aware of changes in their breathing patterns overtime. Based on this data, the feature can help provide estimations on the user’s Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which can help indicate the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• From Awareness to Action: By helping to detect signs of sleep apnea early, the feature may provide the data needed for an informed consultation with a medical professional. Your Galaxy Watch can also help you build habits for better holistic sleep health. Features include the Sleep Coaching[5] program for detailed analysis and tips on how to improve sleep quality and Bedtime Guidance,[6] which recommends your optimal bedtime to help you consistently get enough sleep.

“For years, the inconvenience of an in-lab clinical sleep study has been a barrier to diagnosing sleep apnea,” added Dr. Hill. “Wearable technology such as Galaxy Watch is a breakthrough because it democratises that first step. It allows people to gather meaningful data from their own beds, providing a starting point for a conversation with a healthcare professional.”

Take Control of Your Night

A good night’s sleep is the first step toward a healthier, more energised life, and Samsung is here to help guide you. Samsung’s ecosystem offers end-to-end care, from helping to detect signs of sleep apnea on your Galaxy Watch to providing suggestions to receive professional adviceto connecting you with professional advice through our health network.

Looking ahead, Samsung is constantly innovating and improving the Sleep Apnea feature to make it even more powerful with sharper insights. Prioritise your rest today to unlock a healthier tomorrow.

[1]“Obstructive Sleep Apnea National Indicator Report,” American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2023)

[2]Samsung Health users from the U.S., South Korea, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Chile, South Africa, and the Philippines participated in the study from January–June 2025.

[3]Sleep Apnea feature requires Galaxy Watch8 to be paired with a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android OS 12 or later and latest version of Samsung Health Monitor app. Sleep Apnea feature is currently available in some selected countries only. Sleep Apnea feature requires at least 2 days of sleep data within a span of 10 days (the two days do not necessarily have to be consecutive, but must be recorded within those 10 days). The Sleep Apnea Feature is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions in adult users 22 years and older, by tracking sleep twice over a ten-day monitoring period. It is intended for on-demand use. This feature is not intended for users who have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea. This feature is not intended for use in the screening, diagnosis, treatment or management of sleep apnea and users should not use this feature to replace traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified clinician. If a pattern of breathing disturbances is identified by this feature, or you experience any other symptoms of sleep apnea or any other breathing disturbance, consult a doctor. The absence of a notification does not exclude the presence sleep apnea. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, WORSEN OR CHANGE UNEXPECTEDLY, TALK TO A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

[4]Availability may vary by market, carrier, model, or a paired smartphone. Available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models. The watch requires the Wear OS 5.0 version or later and must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 12.0 or later.

[5]Available on Samsung Health app v.6.24 or above and must be paired with Samsung Galaxy smartphones with Android OS 12 and above. Samsung account login required. Requires sleep data of at least 7 days (including 1 workday and 1 day off). Sleep Coaching feature does not act as a medical/therapeutic device. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program,

[6]Bedtime Guidance is available on Android phone (Android 12 and above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). Bedtime Guidance based on 3 days of sleep analysis of user’s circadian rhythm and sleep pressure. Bedtime Guidance Feature does not act as a medical/therapeutic device. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program.

What’s New:

• New features[1] include Bedtime Guidance[2], to help optimise your sleep habits; Running Coach[3], to help strategise your training; and Antioxidant Index[4], to help measure and track your body’s carotenoids.
• The new features are part of the One UI 8 Watch, which will be available on the newest Galaxy Watch series. Even before then, the features can be experienced through a beta program[5] to a limited number of Galaxy Watch users.[6]

Why it Matters: 

The goal of these new features is to help you build better daily habits, which can be challenging because they don’t develop instantly. It takes time to accumulate these behavior patterns, and meaningful changes are often only apparent after a long period. But the rewards are worth it.

• For example, eating unhealthy food may not immediately impact your health, but over time, it can have significant consequences.
• Conversely, adopting healthy habits may not show immediate results, but over time, they lead to positive changes in your body and mind.
• Samsung Health’s new features aim to help you develop better habits by motivating you through instant feedback. These features inspire you to maintain your habits by providing rewards or notices, demonstrating immediate impact of your behaviors.

“Sleep remains a cornerstone of our approach to health, as it influences physical and mental well-being, social relationships and even work performance,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience, Samsung Electronics. “Now, we envision our Galaxy Watch delivering holistic insights centered around sleep—insights that lead to meaningful changes in daily life. We believe this aligns with our vision of empowering you to lead healthier lives through proactive care and holistic health management.”

Explore New Health Features

Samsung Health’s[7] new features aim to help users develop better habits, using instant feedback as a motivating tool.

Bedtime Guidance 

A single night of restful sleep offers immediate health benefits, encouraging more proactive behavior changes and leading to a healthier tomorrow. This starts with a regular and optimal bedtime.

• We constantly seek to advance our sleep-related tools, which include sleep pattern analysis, sleep coaching, and optimising sleep environments.
• Now, we are providing additional tools for better sleep by suggesting an optimal bedtime based on your lifestyle and sleep patterns while sending reminders to help you stick to it.
• By analysing your past three days’ sleep patterns, the feature evaluates your need for sleep pressure and your circadian rhythm to calculate a bedtime that maximises alertness the next day.
• This feature is particularly helpful for those trying to optimise their sleep after periods of irregular bedtimes. For example, if you go to bed later than planned over several days, or have inconsistent sleep schedules between weekdays and weekends, the bedtime guidance will consider these factors to ensure you get enough sleep.

Running Coach 

While sleep is a precious time to cultivate and care for your health, managing your health during active moments is equally important. Running is one of the most basic and universally available fitness activities, and Samsung has long sought to support runners—offering features to help everyone stay active and achieve their fitness goals.

• Many runners face injuries due to over-pacing or are not optimally pushing themselves. Running Coach is designed to help runners safely complete marathons through optimised-intensity and injury-preventive training, making it ideal for beginners.
• Our new Running Coach feature delivers motivation and real-time guidance, creating a unique training program based on your fitness level to help you achieve your goals.
• Just wear your watch and run for 12 minutes; it will analyse your performance and running level from 1-10. You’ll receive a detailed training plan to help you complete a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon based on your level. Complete your training session, and you’ll level up and unlock your next running challenge.

Antioxidant Index 

When taking a holistic approach to health, we naturally focus on aging and inspiring healthy aging.

However, behavioral factors—such as drinking alcohol, smoking, UV exposure, stress and lack of sleep—can accelerate aging by increasing free radicals in the body. These free radicals damage cells and accelerate aging. Antioxidants—nutrients found in many healthy foods—are molecules that neutralise these free radicals, helping prevent chronic illnesses and promote healthy aging.

• Use Galaxy Watch to measure carotenoids, which are antioxidants found in green and orange vegetables and fruits, stored in your skin.
• These insights reflect behavioral changes—for example, drinking carrot juice can show changes in the index—providing motivation to adopt healthier habits.

Great health comes from the combination of many small changes—and with Galaxy Watch, it is now possible overnight.

[1] The Galaxy Watch is not a medical/therapeutic device. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Samsung account login required. Running Coach and Antioxidant Index are available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). Antioxidant index are Labs features that you can preview before its official launch. If you don’t want to use these experimental features, you can turn them off in Samsung Health settings.

[2] Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. Bedtime guidance is available on Android phone (Android 11 and above) requires Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). It is based on 3 days of sleep analysis of user’s circadian rhythm and sleep pressure.

[3] Service only available with Galaxy Watch7 Series or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To use running coach program, user needs to take a running level test and get a level before starting the coach program.

[4] Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure, place the center of your finger on the sensor at the back of the Watch and hold it for 5 seconds. While Anti-oxidant index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for the most accurate result. Repeat measurement due to uneven skin texture may lead to inaccurate results.

[5] Users based in South Korea and the U.S. with Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch5 or later released Galaxy Watch series) are eligible to join the beta Program.

[6] Availability may vary by device model and market.

[7] Samsung Health and Galaxy Watch is not a medical/therapeutic device. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program. Must be paired with a compatible Galaxy smartphone

Samsung Electronics today announced it is hitting the ground running as a Major Partner of the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS. As the globally renowned marathon’s Official Health Technology Partner, Samsung furthers its commitment to Australians to push boundaries and deliver performance in technology, health and wellness.

“We are very proud to be partnering with the TCS Sydney Marathon, an iconic Australian event that, like our Galaxy wearables, embodies the spirit of endurance, innovation and excellence,” says Eric Chou, Vice President of Mobile eXperience at Samsung Australia. “This collaboration allows us to celebrate the passion and commitment of the participants while supporting athletes at all levels with the tools to train smarter and recover better to help each reach their personal best.”

TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director, Wayne Larden, says “We are thrilled to welcome Samsung as the Official Health Technology Partner in 2025. As an international brand known for its leadership in the mobile and wearables space, their innovative health and sleep technology aligns with our goals to enhance a runner’s journey from start to finish, empowering our participants with the tools they need to run and recover from a successful race.”

As the Official Health Technology Partner of the TCS Sydney Marathon, Samsung will be promoting the importance of building good sleep habits to improve recovery in runners and showcasing its free Samsung Health app. Combined with a Samsung Galaxy Watch and/or Galaxy Ring, Samsung Health[1] can further help runners train their sleep by offering personalised guidance and support for improving sleep patterns, setting daily goals, and following a coaching program[2] to achieve better sleep.

In the lead up to the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon, recently named the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, Samsung will be activating at a several key events and hosting exciting experiences for the running community.

• Samsung brand ambassadors will be at four TCS Sydney Marathon Run Clubs events, providing attendees the opportunity to get their hands on a “Train Your Sleep” merch kit, win exciting giveaways and learn about Galaxy products and features to help improve their training and recovery regime.
• Sleep and running experts will also be on hand at events speaking to the running community, about the opportunities to find improvement in sleep and recovery.
• On August 28-30 Samsung will be exhibiting in a prime position within the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show offering a unique experience for all attendees, as well as offering exclusive opportunities for TCS Sydney Marathon runners to win competitions and access exclusive discounts.

For more information, please visit Samsung Health, Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring.

[1] Samsung Health, Galaxy Watches and Galaxy Rings are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or disease. Measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice

[2] Requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days off.