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Samsung Health to Discontinue Several Fitness Programs and Companion App

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Samsung Health Is Pulling the Plug on Several Fitness Programs – What You Need to Know

Samsung has long positioned its Health app as a one‑stop shop for users who want to track steps, workouts, sleep, and overall wellness. In a recent announcement on PhoneArena, the company revealed that it will be discontinuing a handful of its “fitness programs” as well as a free companion app that has helped millions of users follow structured workout plans. The move is part of a broader strategy to streamline its health ecosystem and focus on premium features that better meet the needs of active customers.


1. Which Programs Are Going Away?

Samsung Health’s “Fitness Programs” are curated, goal‑oriented workout plans that guide users through a series of activities over a set period. The article lists the following programs that will no longer be available after the cut‑off date (currently slated for November 30, 2025):

ProgramDurationPrimary Focus
Beginner Cardio8 weeksBuilding baseline aerobic fitness
Strength 1016 weeksCore strength & muscle tone
Yoga Flow4 weeksFlexibility & mindfulness
Step Challenge12 weeksEncouraging daily step goals
Mindful Eating5 weeksNutrition education & healthy habits

These programs have been popular among casual users who appreciate a simple, structured path to get fit. In addition to the programs, Samsung will retire its free “Samsung Health Companion” app, a lightweight companion that used to sync with the main app and provide on‑the‑go guidance. The companion app was available for both Android and iOS, but it has never been heavily marketed or updated in the last two years.


2. Why the Change?

Samsung’s support team cites several reasons for the decision:

  1. Low Adoption Rates – Data shows that only 12% of Health users were actively engaged with any of the discontinued programs. The majority of users rely on the free “tracking” features rather than structured plans.
  2. Redundancy with Premium Offerings – Samsung Health Premium, which offers personalized coaching, advanced analytics, and custom workouts, already covers the same ground. Consolidating resources into the premium tier is expected to increase revenue per user.
  3. Performance Optimisation – Removing legacy code for the programs and companion app will reduce app size, improve load times, and lower battery usage—critical factors for Samsung’s aging Galaxy S and Note devices.

Samsung’s CEO, in a press release linked on the company’s official blog, emphasised the importance of “innovation over iteration.” He noted that the company is investing in AI‑driven coaching and deeper integration with Samsung’s wearables, such as the Galaxy Watch 6 and the new Health Band.


3. What This Means for Users

If you are currently using one of the affected programs or the free companion app, here’s what you should know:

  • Data Retention – All data collected up to the cut‑off date will remain in your Health account. Samsung advises users to export their workout history (via the “Export Data” feature in Settings) before the final day to avoid accidental loss.
  • No Impact on Core Tracking – Basic step count, heart‑rate monitoring, and sleep analytics will continue to function normally. The app will simply lose the structured guidance features.
  • Subscription Transition – Existing Samsung Health Premium subscribers will retain all their benefits. If you have a free account, you’ll see a gentle reminder to upgrade to unlock new AI‑based coaching modules.

Samsung’s support team has posted a detailed FAQ on their Help Center, which you can find here: [ Samsung Health Help Center ]. The FAQ covers how to backup data, how to downgrade to a free account, and what to expect during the transition period.


4. Alternatives You Can Turn to

With the discontinuation of these programs, users will need alternative ways to stay motivated. Samsung recommends a few options:

OptionDescriptionLink
Samsung Health PremiumPaid tier with AI coaches, custom plans, and deeper data insights[ Samsung Health Premium ]
Google FitCross‑device tracking, workout templates, and community challenges[ Google Fit ]
StravaPopular for running and cycling, plus social network features[ Strava ]
MyFitnessPalComprehensive nutrition tracking with a large food database[ MyFitnessPal ]

Samsung’s own website suggests that users who are heavy on step‑count and cardio can continue to rely on the basic tracking features of the free Health app, while those wanting more depth should look at the Premium tier or third‑party apps.


5. What’s Next for Samsung Health?

The discontinuation of legacy programs is the first step in a broader shift. Samsung’s roadmap—shared in a white paper linked in the announcement—highlights several upcoming initiatives:

  1. AI‑Powered Personal Trainer – A virtual coach that adapts workout intensity in real‑time based on heart‑rate and fatigue levels.
  2. Integrated Wellness Hub – A single interface that syncs data from wearables, medical devices, and third‑party apps, giving a holistic view of health metrics.
  3. Gamified Challenges – Community‑driven competitions with reward tiers for consistent engagement.

These features are slated for release over the next 12‑18 months, so while the free companion app and a few fitness programs are going away, the overall user experience is set to become richer and more data‑driven.


6. Final Takeaway

Samsung’s decision to discontinue several fitness programs and the free companion app reflects a strategic pivot toward higher‑value, AI‑centric offerings. While users will lose some of the simple, ready‑made workout plans that were easy to pick up, the company is also offering a clearer upgrade path to Samsung Health Premium and encouraging users to explore a broader ecosystem of health apps. By backing up data, familiarising yourself with the new premium features, and exploring alternative apps if needed, you can continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle without interruption.

As always, keep an eye on Samsung’s official announcements and the support FAQ for the latest updates and detailed instructions on how to transition smoothly.


Read the Full PhoneArena Article at:
[ https://www.phonearena.com/news/samsung-discontinuing-a-few-fitness-programs-and-the-free-app_id176524 ]