Samsung Galaxy Watch users now have a new fitness subscription option.

Samsung Health is enhancing its services through the addition of iFIT workouts, a move that positions it as a more significant competitor to Apple Fitness+ for Galaxy Watch users.

Samsung aims to transform Samsung Health into a primary fitness platform. The company has announced a partnership with iFIT to integrate streamed workout content led by experts directly into the Health app.

This integration includes seven categories, such as HIIT, yoga, strength training, and mindfulness. It uses a "freemium" structure, providing one free on-demand video from each category monthly. Access to the complete catalog requires a subscription of $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. The integration extends to Samsung devices; Galaxy Watch users can view their heart rate and calories burned alongside the workout on their watch display.

This development is driven by competition, as Apple Fitness+ has been a key advantage for the Apple Watch, known for its seamless integration within the Apple environment.

The addition of a built-in premium fitness service addresses a previous weakness in the Galaxy ecosystem, particularly when compared to Apple.

However, the implementation has some drawbacks. The "one free video per category" approach might encourage users to opt for the paid version. Apple's subscription model, which offers all content under one plan, is more straightforward. While beneficial for current Galaxy Watch and phone users, it may not attract users from the Apple ecosystem.

The primary goal may be to retain Samsung users and provide them with fewer reasons to consider alternatives, thereby reinforcing the Galaxy ecosystem.