I don’t need Samsung to significantly improve the Galaxy Watch 9 – just unlock it

Wearables go far beyond just counting steps. These days, they’re multifaceted health companions, allowing us to test everything from sweaty workouts to shortened REM cycles. For many consumers, the concept of a daily health center is the whole point. And that’s why Samsung’s approach feels self-defeating. It’s now 2026, and some key smartwatch features still depend on which phone you’re using.

The Galaxy Watch lineup includes some of the health wearables you can buy. However, while the list has improved over the past few years (mainly thanks to Wear OS), the fine print hasn’t changed much. All major features are linked to the Samsung Health Monitor, which is always exclusive to Galaxy phones. That includes blood pressure tracking, ECG readings, abnormal heart rhythm alerts, and sleep detection. Simply put, if it works with Samsung Health Monitor, it doesn’t fully work without a Galaxy phone. I can strap Samsung devices to my wrist, but access to its best features depends on the reliability of my environment.

That doesn’t mean the brand’s watches are out of stock except for the Galaxy phone. Most of the basics are still available, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, basic sleep tracking, exercise and fitness metrics, and body composition measurements. All of these health tracking apps work on Android phones with standard support for Samsung Health and Wear OS. It’s just a shame that Samsung’s most meaningful features are behind the wall.

Wear OS isn’t the separate platform it once was, and the expectation now is for your experience to follow your hardware, not the logo on your phone. Google’s Pixel Watch, for example, keeps its health features available across Android devices, not just Pixel phones. Of course, environment-based limits come with a place for advanced health devices, but that’s a separate issue (and Samsung is working on it too). While its Wear OS siblings are moving away from network-based restrictions, Samsung’s restrictions feel non-existent.

Even outside of Wear OS, the difference is hard to ignore. Garmin offers a platform experience, while smart rings from companies like Oura and Ultrahuman are available with any modern smartphone. Against that backdrop, Samsung’s mobile-based phone functionality feels dated and, at this point, a bit clunky. I don’t expect my Wear OS watches to merge with iOS anytime soon, and I’m not complaining that my Apple Watch only works with the iPhone, but I don’t like losing important features just to combine the Galaxy Watch Ultra with the Pixel 10 instead of the Galaxy S26.

At first glance, there haven’t been many meaningful leaks so far regarding the upcoming Galaxy Watch 9. What has emerged points to the usual pretty good improvements, including the same size, the same battery expectations, and possibly a new chip, with the usual software circuit and AI-driven health tweaks overlaid on top. So far, nothing has me clamoring for the summer Unpacked event, where the phone might drop.

There is a high possibility that Samsung will introduce accuracy improvements and other health improvements. In fact, if Samsung wants the Galaxy Watch to remain at the forefront of health-focused wearables, it should expand access to features it already has. Integration tools such as ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and sleep detection from Samsung phones would be much more advanced than the other increasing rate. The Galaxy Watch doesn’t need any extra features, just a few restrictions.