Samsung’s Galaxy Watch AI features have some interesting fine print

Samsung’s wearable line officially upgraded from Tizen OS toWear OSwith theGalaxy Watch 4series back in 2021, opening up access to a new UI that made managing tasks easier, more ways to customize your home screen carousel with Tiles, Fitbit’s health and fitness tracking, and a wide variety of apps.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic next to a phone displaying the Galaxy Wearable app

As part of an upcomingOne UI 6 Watch update based on Wear OS 5, we know that Samsung intends to bring Galaxy AI features to some of itsbest wearables, and hints indicate that they won’t be limited to Samsung smartphone users.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Pixel Watch 2 outside of a trash can with other Wear OS watches on the edge of it

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Picture of a man’s wrist wearing a Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic, with fall leaves in the background

As part of the update, we know that Samsung’s wearables will be able to provide more comprehensive health insights and encouragement to hit your daily wellness goal, paired with anEnergy Scorethat will provide users with a better understanding of their daily condition that takes into account metrics like “sleep time average, sleep time consistency, bed/wake time consistency, sleep timing, previous day activity, sleeping heart rate and heart rate variability.”

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 in black, positioned at an angle

While Samsung’s announcement itself focused mainly on health, fitness and overall wellness, the footnotes however, as spotted by9to5Google, reiterate that users will have to eventually pay to access Galaxy AI features, and that the features will likely extend beyond Samsung phones (at least some, if not all).

Black Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic angled to the right

We already know that Samsung intends to eventuallymonetize its AI features, likely until 2025, though Samsung hasn’t come up with a firm decision, and its plans have remained unclear. However, the footnotes of the tech giant’s One UI 6 Watch update post indeed do reiterate and hit home that users will have to pay for Galaxy AI features post 2025.

Samsung Notes logo in front of image containing S Pen and devices using Samsung Notes

Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary by device model.Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.

Google Home icon with some gadgets around it.

Elsewhere, the footnotes also indicate that some of the Galaxy AI features might not be limited to users with a Galaxy phone, and might be universally available to Galaxy Watch owners with any Android device running Android 10 or above. Footnotes for theEnergy Scorefeature indicate that it will be “available on Android phones (OS Android 10 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.27 or above).”

The Apple Watch Series 10, strap not attached

Similarly, footnotes for theWellness Tipsfeature, which, as the name suggests, will offer insights, motivational tips and guidance based on your goal, reads, “Available on Android phones (OS Android 10 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.27 or above).”

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with a floral face

Both features are explicitly stated to work on “Android phones,” and not just on Galaxy devices. The only requirement is that the phone should be running Android 10 and above, and requires the Samsung Health app, which can be downloaded on any device. The only Galaxy AI feature that seems to be locked to Galaxy devices isFunctional Threshold Power (FTP).

A Switch 2 in tabletop mode with Joy-Con 2s on the table.

“To measure personalized FTP, Galaxy smartphone must be connected to a power meter. to calculate a more accurate FTP, it is necessary to connect the Galaxy Watch to a smartphone. The FTP is calculated automatically when cycling occurs at a mid to high intensity level for more than 4 minutes with the cycling power meter attached to your bicycle.”

The Google Play Store logo on a purple background

When can I start using the new Galaxy AI features on my Galaxy Watch?

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The new features should be available with the next Galaxy Watch lineup via One UI 6 Watch. It’s worth noting, however, that limited Galaxy Watch users in the US and Korea will gain early access to the features via the One UI 6 Watch Beta in June. The following Galaxy Watch models will be able to access the One UI 6 Watch beta program:

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The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is surely one of the best Android watches available, especially if you are already in the Samsung ecosystem. With a sapphire crystal display, Exynos W930 processor, 2GB of RAM, and up to a 425mAh battery, this watch is built to be a solid performer.

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Samsung’s latest generation of the Galaxy Watch 6 comes in a larger Classic version. It sports a bigger case and a physical rotating bezel to control the watch, alongside all the other welcome improvements in the vanilla Watch 6.

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