Samsung has been improving the health-tracking capabilities of its wearables, but if this research ends up successful, its best smartwatches could eventually help identify potential signs of a serious health condition: chronic kidney disease.
Samsung explores kidney disease detection
I wouldn't assume this feature will land on your Galaxy Watch soon, though. | Image by PhoneArena
A recent post shows that researchers led by Professor Lee In-seok of the Department of Gastroenterology at The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital have begun evaluating whether an AI-powered mobile app could help determine a user's chronic kidney disease risk.
The team is currently creating an AI model that relies on EMRs (electronic medical records) and sleep, heart rate, and activity data collected through a Galaxy Watch. The AI-powered tool then combines a user's genomic analysis data to deliver a more comprehensive and reliable result. Alongside kidney disease risk, researchers are evaluating whether the AI model could help predict lung cancer.
Clinical validation has already begun in October 2026, relying on data collected from 50 individuals over three months. In the last month, researchers will use follow-up blood tests and chest imaging to check kidney function and determine how accurately the AI model can help predict the condition.
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This study will determine in actual clinical settings whether AI and wearables can provide ongoing risk management and feedback—things that have been difficult to implement through outpatient care alone. I hope this study will help connect advanced technologies with patient-centered care, reducing suffering and improving quality of life.
Professor Lee In-seok of the Department of Gastroenterology at The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital
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Would you trust your smartwatch to help detect serious health conditions?
Not like existing approaches
Chronic kidney disease risk prediction models already exist, but they typically only focus on estimating data from a particular point in time. As a result, they have limitations when it comes to long-term disease risk prediction.
With the new AI-powered app, researchers use continuous metrics from your Galaxy Watch to deliver a more reliable prediction over a period of time.
On top of that, researchers are trying to connect the risk assessment with practical, personalized advice to help users maintain a better overall health.
Apple is making progress in the area as well
While Samsung's advancements in chronic kidney disease prediction sound incredibly promising, we're yet to see whether the results collected with a Galaxy Watch would prove useful in real-world settings.
Meanwhile, Apple is making progress in its own right. A quick online search revealed CTA Veeva listed an AK+ Guard pilot study that gathers participants to wear an Apple Watch for ECG data collection.
The research then explores whether an AI-powered model would help analyze the collected readings to determine potentially higher-than-normal potassium levels. This condition, known as hyperkalemia, is commonly associated with kidney problems.
Let's see what happens
Since researchers just now start using AI and data collected from Galaxy Watches to predict chronic kidney disease conditions, I think it'll be some time before the feature makes a commercial rollout.
If anything, medical professionals could start using the AI model in some regions in the next few years (provided the research is successful), though I wouldn't expect it to launch on the next-generation Galaxy Watch.
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Polina Kovalakova, a News and Affiliate Content Writer, has nurtured a passion for mobile technology since the era before smartphones. With a history of exploring a variety of devices, her insights into the mobile world are both broad and nuanced. Polina's non-partisan view extends to appreciating nearly every smartphone brand, a reflection of her open-minded approach to technology. Polina is equally passionate about uncovering the best online deals, tirelessly working to ensure her readers snag top-tier tech at unbeatable prices.
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