[Interview] Behind the Scenes of Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7: Product Planning the Next Generation of Smartwatches

A new smartwatch has arrived — designed to accompany users beyond daily healthcare as they embark on extreme adventures. Introducing the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the most powerful smartwatch in the Galaxy Watch lineup to date.

The launch of the premium Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Galaxy Watch7, with advanced health monitoring tools, signifies Samsung Electronics’ commitment to showcasing the endless possibilities that can be worn on users’ wrists.

Samsung Newsroom met with Scott Yu and Elin Park from the Wearable Product Planning Group, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, to discuss how these products were formed.

The Birth of a Super-Powered AI Watch Engineered for Extremes

Q. What was the process behind planning the Galaxy Watch Ultra?
Yu: The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a new super-premium addition to our Galaxy Watch lineup. Through various studies, we identified significant growth potential in the premium market and made our first steps into this segment. The Galaxy Watch Ultra was developed with durability and advanced AI capabilities to deliver next-level outdoor experiences.

▲ Scott Yu
 

Q. How did the approach differ when tailoring the features for outdoor sports compared to those for daily healthcare?
Park: We wanted to find a solution that would satisfy everyone, from casual users to athletic amateurs and professionals looking to improve their fitness levels. Initially, we focused on the most popular exercises such as running, cycling and swimming while taking note of various use cases to enhance the related features. Interestingly, we discovered that many people alternate between two or three types of exercises instead of sticking to one. This insight inspired us to introduce Multi-sports tiles — a feature that allows users to customize their workout combinations and measure the results of different workouts including duathlons and triathlons.

▲ Elin Park

Q. How has Galaxy AI affected planning the Galaxy Watch series?
Yu: We contemplated how the wearables could serve as a medium for delivering AI experiences in the Galaxy ecosystem. By collaborating with relevant departments, we honed in on combining the capabilities of Galaxy smartphones and watches to maximize AI functionalities. For example, functional threshold power (FTP)¹ measures users’ maximum cycling power based on heart rate monitoring with AI-powered metrics to enable users to unlock full potential. In addition, the Galaxy Watch leverages AI algorithms to continuously track sleep data and offer advanced sleep insights.

Park: Galaxy AI will open a lot of possibilities for users. One feature I would like to highlight is Energy Score² — available on both the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7. Galaxy AI analyzes various health indicators, including sleep and activity data, and provides scores reflecting overall energy levels that help users understand their bodies more intuitively and accurately.

Striving for Optimal Usability and Comfort

Q. What was the biggest challenge in designing the new watches?
Park: For the first time, the Galaxy Watch Ultra features a Quick Button — representing the culmination of consideration around different user scenarios and actions needed to operate the device. By quickly pressing once or twice, users can access their most used functions. In urgent situations, holding the button for five seconds will activate an up to 86-decibel Emergency Siren that can be heard up to 180 meters away. Adding a new element was a significant change that required constant communication and collaboration among the mechanical, design and hardware teams.

▲ Quick Button on the Galaxy Watch Ultra

Q. Apart from the Quick Button, what aspects of the exterior design were prioritized for the Galaxy Watch Ultra?
Yu: The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a new cushion design that echoes the signature circular design from the original Galaxy Watch series. Moreover, the design incorporates aspects from traditional watches while providing robust protection for peace of mind in any environment.

Park: The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with multiple watch bands for maximum comfort. Using a new, simplified Dynamic Lug System, the bands can be easily attached and swapped to suit different outdoor activities.

▲ (From left) Scott Yu and Elin Park highlight the latest features of the new Galaxy Watch devices.

Q. What has been the most memorable feedback since the products launched?
Yu: The Galaxy Watch Ultra stays true to its core principles — one of which is advanced haptics. This technology enhances the tactile sensation users experience when interacting with the touchscreen and makes the display feel smoother and more responsive. I'm pleased to see that many people have noticed this improvement. The product can only be fully appreciated when worn, and I hope that many people will have the opportunity to experience it.

Park: “Finally!” was the most gratifying review. We received numerous compliments from consumers and tech experts about the improved product quality. I’m relieved that everyone’s hard work finally came to fruition, and I feel incredibly grateful to know that many people appreciate the latest wearables.

The Future, Redefined by the Galaxy Watch Series

Q. In one word or sentence, how would you describe the new Galaxy Watches?
Yu: Sincerity was our top priority. We wanted to build a smartwatch that brings us closer to the consumer with sincerity. Planning and developing a product is like orchestrating a symphony performance — everyone puts their heart and soul into the process, even the parts you cannot see. The result is a remarkable piece of work. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the development and design teams as well as everyone else who worked so hard to launch the products.

Park: For me, it would be "turning point.” Both the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7 represent a big change in the history of the Galaxy Watch. We've continuously evolved the beloved Galaxy Watch with its modern and minimalist design. Now, we're taking a step further by introducing a model with a specific purpose — like the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This is a major turning point in how we respond to various markets.

▲ (From left) Scott Yu and Elin Park pose for a photo holding the latest Galaxy Watch models.

Q. What's next for the Galaxy Watch?
Yu: We want to focus more on the AI capabilities. By integrating a range of Galaxy AI features into the Galaxy Watch series, we try to provide an enhanced digital health experience and more personalized insights to users.

Park: There is still room for improvement in the health solution space, so we want to take it one step at a time. We're working on a number of developments and constantly updating existing models to ensure an optimal user experience. I hope we can share our excitement for the future of the Galaxy Watch to our users.

The latest Galaxy Watches have pushed beyond their limits with consistent and authentic innovation. Samsung looks forward to the evolution of the Galaxy Watch — wearables that will inevitably play a central role in various areas of users’ lives.


¹ To measure personalized FTP, a Galaxy smartphone must be connected to a power meter. In order 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. Using machine learning, the more users ride repeatedly, the more accurate and personalized FTP values will be calculated. The cycling power meter is sold separately. Traditional FTP analysis duration on professional equipment is up to 1 hour on average.
² Energy Score is available on Android phones (Android 11 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.27 or above). Samsung account log-in required. Service availability may vary by country or region. To check the Energy Score, the health data tracked from Samsung Galaxy Watch must be synchronized with the Samsung Health app. Needs at least the previous day’s activity data and sleep, and heart rate data during sleep. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition. The result is for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.