Samsung Plans to Overtake Apple’s HealthKit with New ‘S Health’ App for Galaxy S8

Samsung is preparing to launch a significant update to its S Health app in a bid to make it the go-to health app in the Android ecosystem. The company has been continuously updating its S Health services in the months leading up to the release of the Galaxy S8. Last year, the smartphone manufacturer added social features to the app that allow you to compare your step count with those of friends as well as a Quick Measure feature that measures your heart rate using a finger sensor.

The forthcoming update will allow users to schedule video appointments with doctors around the clock, according to SamMobile, and provide a list of nearby pharmacies. The South Korean tech giant has also partnered with WebMD and Amwell to allow users to quickly search for information on drugs, illnesses, and symptoms.

Users can also use the app to schedule appointments, store relevant medical information (including photos and prescriptions), and pay doctors through the app. S Health can also log whether you have medical insurance and allows you to call 911 directly from within the app.

While we don’t have a comprehensive list of the new features and upgrades that Samsung has incorporated, it’s likely that they will position S Health to compete with Apple’s HealthKit and CareKit, which track fitness, biometrics, and medical treatments, and allow users to share information with doctors.

S Health will debut in time for the Galaxy S8 launch, which may take place at the Mobile World Congress in February.