What’s New:

• New features^[1] include Bedtime Guidance ^[2] – to optimise your sleep; Vascular Load ^[3] – which measures stress on your vascular system while sleeping; Running Coach^[4] – to help strategise your training and Antioxidant Index ^[5], to measure your carotenoids for healthy aging.
• The new features are part of the One UI 8 Watch, which will be available on the newest Galaxy Watch series. Starting from this month, the features can be experienced through a beta program^[6] to a limited number of Galaxy Watch users.

Why it Matters: 

The goal of these new features is to help you build healthier daily habits, which can be challenging because they don’t develop instantly. It takes time to accumulate these behaviour 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 healthy habits by motivating you through instant feedback on your health. These features inspire you to maintain your habits by providing rewards or warning signs and demonstrating immediate impact of your behaviours.

“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 centred 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 new features aim to help users develop healthy habits, using instant health feedback as a motivating tool.

Bedtime Guidance 

A single night of restful sleep offers immediate health benefits, encouraging more proactive behaviour 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. They also include the feature that detects signs of sleep apnea^[7] — a sleep disorder — and help you take proactive steps.
• 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.

Vascular Load    

Sleep is a window into overall health, as it impacts holistic well-being. Galaxy Watch uses this opportunity to measure vascular load — the amount of stress on your vascular system while sleeping.

• The vascular system carries blood throughout the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove waste – making it a strong indicator to determine good heart health.
• During sleep, stress on your vascular system should naturally dip – however, excessive fluctuations can negatively impact cardiovascular health.
• Simply wear your Watch while sleeping and it will measure your vascular load – providing insights into the stress on your vascular system.
• Additionally, since all health factors are interconnected – the feature also provides insights into lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise and stress to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle and develop positive habits.

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, behavioural 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.
• Galaxy Watch employs an industry-first feature to measure carotenoids in just five seconds via its advanced, light-activated BioActive sensor.
• These insights reflect behavioural 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 Samsung Health features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.} 

^{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 Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure vascular load, it is required to wear Galaxy Watch when sleeping for at least 3 days out of recent 14 days.}

^{4 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.}

^{5 Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure, place the centre 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.}

^{6 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.}

^{7 The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Phone. This 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, over a two-night monitoring period. It is intended for on demand use. This feature is not intended for users who have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Users should not use this feature to replace traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified clinician. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. Availability may vary by market, carrier, model or a paired smartphone.}

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the new Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic [1], designed to help users build healthier habits every day and through the night [2]. Galaxy Watch6 series packs holistic health offerings and powerful performance in a refined and sleek design, boasting a slimmer bezel, a larger and more vibrant display, and more interactive user interface [3]. Both models also allow users to access a greater selection of versatile watch faces as well as new band options that empower them to meet their goals.

“With the new Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic, we are delivering on our commitment to democratize advanced health monitoring tools, now offering easier access right from the wrist,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics. “From sleep and fitness coaching to nutritional insights, Samsung is providing new and convenient ways to help users gain understanding and take action for better health and wellness, every day and every night.”

Personalized Guidance for a Healthier You – Starting with Sleep ^[4]

Galaxy Watch6 series provides meaningful insights that can lead to positive changes around the clock, offering personalized and actionable tips, advice and encouragement. Recognizing that better health begins with better sleep, Samsung is helping users optimize their night in the same way they optimize their day by focusing on three key elements of better sleep: understanding personal sleep patterns, building better habits and establishing a sleep-friendly environment.

Building on leading-edge sleep and wellness features, Galaxy Watch6 series now offers in-depth analysis of Sleep Score Factors [5] – total sleep time, sleep cycle, awake time, plus physical and mental recovery – to help users understand the quality of sleep received each night. More individualized Sleep Messages, co-developed with the National Sleep Foundation, also provide users with detailed feedback about their sleep health each morning. Additionally, Galaxy Watch6 offers Sleep Consistency showing how consistent the user’s sleep and wake times are, and a designated Sleep Animal Symbol representing their sleep type [6].

Enhanced Sleep Coaching enables users to put sleep insights into action with tailored instructions, tips and reminders accessible on both their wrist and paired smartphone. When it’s time for bed, Galaxy Watch6 can help set the perfect sleep environment by automatically changing the settings of connected home electronics [7] and turning on Sleep Mode across the user’s watch and phone [8] to mute notifications, dim screens, and even to activate the invisible LED infrared sensor on the watch to deliver valuable health insights without additional light distractions.

Fitness features get more personalized to keep users motivated throughout their journey. Body Composition [9], with key physical measurements like skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body water and body fat percentage, provides a complete snapshot of the user’s body and fitness, offering a tailored approach to set goals, track progress, and guide through personalized fitness and now nutritional tips via a new partnership with Whisk [10].

A new Personalized Heart Rate Zone feature analyzes individual physical capabilities [11] and defines five optimal running intensity levels to help users set their own goals based on their ability – from burning fat to high intensity workout. In addition to over 100 existing workout trackers, the newly added Track Run records the user’s runs on a track, while Custom Workout allows users to build and track their personalized workout routine.

Added to existing blood pressure [12] and electrocardiogram [13] monitoring, the new [14] feature helps users understand their heart health more comprehensively by checking for heart rhythms suggestive of Atrial fibrillation (AFib) in the background – even while asleep [15]. Galaxy Watch6 can also enable users to track skin temperature during the night to give valuable insights including menstrual cycle tracking [16]. And Fall Detection [17] can gauge a fall, whether occurring during exercise, when standing still, or even while sleeping if users happen to fall out of bed. Once a fall is detected, your watch will automatically alert an emergency service number or pre-selected contacts.

Refined Design, Perfectly Yours

Elevating the wearable experience, Galaxy Watch6 series offers all new designs that provide better viewing, greater power and a wider selection of more customizable and comfortable options3.

Reading and writing is easier on the 20% larger display [18], showcasing more text on screen and a larger keyboard ^[19] – all while maintaining a comfortable size. A more vibrant, higher resolution display boasts a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, coupled with an Always On Display brightness adjustment feature, allowing users to see and do more even under bright sunlight. Powered by the enhanced processor and memory, Galaxy Watch6 delivers smoother and faster interactions3.

Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic come with a 30% slimmer bezel and a 15% thinner rotating bezel respectively ^[20], enhancing the beauty of the signature circle frame. Galaxy Watch6 series features new stylish, interactive and informative watch faces that make the most of the large display, while new one-click bands allow users to easily mix and match watch bands. With over 704 unique combinations, users can design their perfect watch on For example, a new lightweight Fabric Band [22] and Sleep Coaching watch face pair perfectly to help you gain informative sleep insights in comfort.

Galaxy Watch6 series comes with a larger battery and reduced battery consumption [23] to support its larger and brighter display. With just eight minutes of quick charge, users can add an additional eight hours, perfect for tracking their sleep during the night [24].

Maximizing Your Experience Right From Your Wrist ^[25]

Galaxy Watch6 series brings greater capabilities to the wrist of every user. The new Samsung Wallet [26] on Galaxy Watch6 combines Samsung Pay with Samsung Pass to incorporate more of the user’s wallet – including IDs, event tickets and boarding passes as well as credit cards and membership cards – in their watch. Enhanced Gesture Control allows users to conveniently manage their watch using simple gestures for greater accessibility and ease, letting them set their own shortcuts and now access apps and functions touch-free.

WhatsApp makes it easier for Galaxy Watch users to stay connected with friends and family, all without getting out a phone. Starting from this fall, users can stay productive right from their watch with new apps from Google Calendar and Gmail, which will be exclusively available on Wear OS. They can also track fitness progress or nutritional data more easily with Peloton and MyFitnessPal updates, and coming soon, enjoy additional streaming options with Audible. Additionally, with the introduction of a new Skin Temperature API – a part of the Samsung’s Privileged Health software development kit (SDK) – partners will soon have access to advanced infrared technology for more accurate measurements to bring a whole new world of possibilities to users. A newly launched Thermo Check app takes advantage of the new API, allowing users to measure the temperature of their favorite meal or the ocean before a lap swim, contact-free.

Together with other Samsung devices, Galaxy Watch6 series expands user experiences even further. The upgraded Camera Controller enables remote control of a paired Galaxy Z Flip5 camera [27] to switch modes, angles, and zoom. Samsung Smart TV [28] or Galaxy Tab S9 shows the user’s progress in real time with a guided fitness or mindfulness program on the large screen. Users can also automatically toggle the connection of Galaxy Buds2 Pro between Samsung devices via Auto Switch. Should users happen to misplace their phone, Galaxy Watch6 series can now pinpoint its location through Find My Phone with map support [29].

And as always, personal data on the watch remains secure thanks to the Samsung Knox security platform.

Availability ^[30]

Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic are available for pre-order in select markets from July 26, with general availability starting August 11.

Galaxy Watch6 is an ultimate daily driver with a modern and minimalist design. It comes in 44mm in Graphite and Silver and in 40mm in Graphite and Gold. For a more premium, timeless timepiece design, look no further than Galaxy Watch6 Classic featuring our fan-favorite rotating bezel – available in Black and Silver in 43mm and 47mm.

If you’re an adventure seeker looking for durability, performance and style, Galaxy Watch5 Pro remains a great option and now comes with even more enhanced GPS exchange format (GPX) features [31]. Conquer a new route with the GPX File Database, which enables users to simply search and access recommended routes, while Route Workout now supports running and walking alongside the previously available hiking and cycling.

To learn more about Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic, or design your own watch, please visit: www.samsungmobilepress.com, news.samsung.com/global or www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch.

Galaxy Watch6 & Galaxy Watch6 Classic Product Specifications

[1] Availability may vary depending on market, model and the paired smartphone. 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] Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and/or application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician. Certain features may vary by market, carrier, or the paired device.

[3] Compared to Galaxy Watch5 series.

[4] Sleep features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

[5] Displayed on a paired smartphone.

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

[7] Available on smart devices that are registered to SmartThings. Requires the latest version of Samsung Clock and SmartThings mobile apps.

[8] Supported on a Galaxy smartphone running One UI 5 or above.

[10] Supported in English and Korean.

[11] To update the ranges of each HR zone for running based on cardiopulmonary capabilities, it is required to run outdoors more than 10 min with constant speed of 4km/h or faster.

[12] The Blood Pressure feature is only available in select markets. To ensure accuracy, users should calibrate their device every four weeks with a traditional blood pressure cuff. The BP feature cannot diagnose hypertension, other conditions, or check for signs of a heart attack. It is not meant to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.

[13] The ECG feature is only available in select markets. It is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. The feature is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than AFib. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional.

[14] The IHRN feature is only available in select markets. It is not intended to provide a notification on every episode of irregular rhythm suggestive of AFib and the absence of a notification is not intended to indicate no disease process is present. It is not intended for users with other known arrhythmias.

[15] The features are supported via the Samsung Health Monitor app. Availability may vary by market or device. Due to market restrictions in obtaining approval/registration as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), it only works on watches and smartphones purchased in the markets where service is currently available (however, service may be restricted when users travel to non-service markets). This app can only be used for measuring in ages 22 and over.

[16] Due to country restrictions in obtaining approval/registration as a medical device, the feature only works on phones and watches purchased in the countries where service is currently available. Not intended for contraception. If you are currently taking hormonal birth control or undergoing hormonal treatment that inhibits ovulation, this service will not be useful for tracking ovulation. Predictions may vary depending on the proper use of your watch, input data, environmental conditions, etc. Intended for users 18 years old and above. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the predictions made without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional.

[17] To notify an emergency contact, a network connection is required. GPS accuracy may be affected by obstructions to the satellite signal, such as buildings.

[18] The screen size comparison is based on Galaxy Watch6 Small (40mm) and Galaxy Watch6 Classic Small (43mm). Compared to Galaxy Watch5 Small (40mm) and Galaxy Watch4 Classic Small (42mm) respectively. Based on Galaxy Watch6 Large (44mm) and Galaxy Watch6 Classic Large (47mm), the screen size comparison is 16%.

[19] Galaxy Watch6 Small (40mm)_and Galaxy Watch6 Classic Small (43mm) show 33 percent more in text of notification and 13 percent increase in keyboard size when compared to Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic respectively.

[20] Galaxy Watch6 Small (40mm) offers a 30 percent thinner bezel than Galaxy Watch5 Small (40mm), while Galaxy Watch6 Classic provides a 15 percent thinner rotating bezel than Galaxy Watch4 Classic.

[21] Available on samsung.com in selected markets. The number of combinations available may vary depending on the market.

[22] Sold separately. Availability of watch bands may vary by market or carrier.

[23] Compared to Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic respectively.

[24] Testing conducted by Samsung using pre-released version of Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic (BT & LTE), each paired to a Samsung phone; all devices tested with prerelease software, Galaxy Watch Magnetic Fast Charging USB C Cable (EP-OR900), and Samsung 25W USB C Power Adapter (EP-TA800). Charge time varies with region, settings, usage pattern and environmental factors; actual results may vary. Samsung 25W USB C Power Adapter (EP-TA800) sold separately.

[25] Availability of certain apps/features may vary by market, carrier or connected device. Subscription fees may apply for some apps.

[26] The availability of Samsung Wallet and its features may vary by market and paired smartphone.

[27] Supported on Galaxy S9 and later models.

[28] This feature requires pairing a Galaxy Watch series with a compatible 2021 Smart TV or above. Availability may vary by market, model and connected devices.

[29] The feature requires the user’s watch to be paired with their phone and to be signed into the same Samsung Account.

[30] Availability may vary by market or carrier. Supported models, colors, sizes and bands may vary depending on market or carrier.

[32] Measured without health sensors.

[33] Measured without band.

[34] Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

[35] Wear OS Powered by Samsung works with phones running the latest version of Android (excluding Go edition and phones without Google Play Store). Supported features may vary between platforms and markets with compatibility subject to change.

[36] LTE connectivity only available in LTE models.

[37] Galaxy Watch6 series is water resistant to up to 50 meters in depth for 10 minutes under the 5ATM rating. It is not suitable for diving or high-pressure water activities. If the device or your hands are wet, they must be dried thoroughly prior to handling. Galaxy Watch6 series provides ingress protection (IP68) against dust and fresh water to a maximum of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. Refer to user manual for further information, including care/use instructions.

[38] Device activation is only available after connecting to a smartphone that supports Google Mobile Services. Compatible devices may vary by market, carrier or device brand.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa –  13 December, 2018 – An unprecedented level of convenience has arrived and the timing couldn’t be better. The Samsung Wearable range brings together the best of Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem with long-lasting battery life, wellness capabilities and personalised design. With the addition of Samsung Pay to the functionality, there is now a sophisticated level of convenience which South Africans will undoubtedly enjoy.

“The Galaxy Watch, Gear S3 and Gear Sport were designed for connected lifestyles. They’re all born out of Samsung’s relentless pursuit of innovation that makes life better. With the addition of Samsung Pay customers can do so much more and do it effortlessly. It’s a quicker, simpler and safer way to pay says Cambridge Mokanyane, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung South Africa.

Samsung Pay has brought South Africans a new level of convenience and security when making contactless mobile payments. Its application into the Wearable range amplifies the many features that make them an instant must-have.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is already designed to match your lifestyle. It is a refined smartwatch with an aesthetically pleasing design, military grade durability, cohesive user interface and a battery that can last for days. You can go with a 42mm Midnight Black and Rose Gold or the 46mm Silver design.

The Gear Sport is all about getting motivated to move more, eat better, and live a healthier life. The Gear Sport tracks your fitness and diet, keeping you on the right path to reach your goals. And it’s as stylish as it is functional.

The Gear S3 has the aesthetics of a truly premium watch with advanced features built right into the watch design. That’s why it’s so easy and effortless to use it. You only have to turn the bezel to respond to calls, read messages or go to that app you need.

Using Samsung Pay on your Samsung Wearable is simple:         

• On your Samsung smartphone, launch the Galaxy Wearable app
• Tap OPEN SAMSUNG PAY and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your card registration. This is a one-time process.
• To make a payment with your Samsung Watch, press and hold the Back key for around 1 second
• Scroll through the cards list, select a card and tap PAY
• Place your Samsung Watch close to the NFC card reader to make a payment
• All Samsung Pay compatible wearables will only support NFC and not the MST technology which is also available on Samsung Pay compatible smartphones.

The Samsung wearables are also compatible with other non-Samsung* Android Smartphones, now offering the convenience of Samsung Pay to a much larger audience.

The Galaxy Watch, Gear S3 and Gear Sport bring users all the benefits from the Galaxy Ecosystem, creating a seamless experience and now with Samsung Pay life just got a lot easier.

^{*Check compatibility list for supported non-Samsung smartphones.}