Health
Samsung’s iFIT deal is Apple Fitness+ with extra steps
Samsung is stepping into the fitness arena with its iFIT partnership, bringing premium workouts to Galaxy devices. This isn’t just another feature; it’s a bold move to rival Apple Fitness+.
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Well, this is awkward. Samsung just announced their iFIT partnership like it’s revolutionary, but it’s basically Apple Fitness+ with Samsung’s usual “throw free stuff at the problem” approach.
For the uninitiated: iFIT is that fitness platform you’ve probably seen on NordicTrack and ProForm gym equipment – think Peloton’s trainer-led classes, but for treadmills and ellipticals instead of bikes.
They’ve got thousands of workouts filmed in exotic locations with professional trainers who somehow make burpees seem fun.
It’s actually decent content, which makes Samsung’s decision to license it instead of building their own slightly less embarrassing.
Here’s what actually happened: Samsung couldn’t build compelling fitness content, so they’re paying iFIT to do it for them.
Galaxy users get one free workout per category per month, then Samsung hits you with a $9.99 subscription that costs more than Apple’s equivalent.
The Galaxy Watch compatibility is legitimately solid – real-time heart rate and calorie tracking during workouts. It’s probably the smoothest Samsung has ever executed an ecosystem play, which says everything about their usual competence level.
Nonetheless, here’s what Samsung users get from the iFIT partnership:
On Samsung Health App:
- Premium workouts from world-class trainers through iFIT
- Workouts in 7 categories: HIIT, Pilates, yoga, strength, recovery, barre, and mindfulness
- One on-demand video per category each month at no cost
On Galaxy Watch:
- Real-time tracking of session duration, heart rate, and calories burned displayed on the wrist
Subscription Options:
- Free tier: 1 video per category/month
- Paid: $9.99/month or $99.99/year for full access to hundreds of workouts
But here’s the desperate part: Samsung’s bribing you with free months based on which Galaxy device you buy. Six months free with a Galaxy Watch 8? They’re literally paying you to pretend this matters.
Exclusive Promotional Offers:
- 30 days free with Galaxy smartphone purchase
- 3 months free with Galaxy Buds3 Pro
- 6 months free with Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, or Galaxy Watch
The brutal truth? If you’re already trapped in Samsung’s ecosystem, this isn’t terrible. iFIT’s content quality is solid, and the free tier beats Apple’s “pay or get nothing” approach.
But let’s stop pretending this is innovation when it’s just Samsung admitting they can’t compete with Apple’s integrated approach.
At least when Samsung copies Apple’s homework, it’s occasionally cheaper —and arguably better. Sometimes that’s enough.
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