Galaxy Watch 5 by Samsung to feature temperature-based menstrual cycle tracking

Samsung is collaborating with Natural Cycles, a fertility application, to introduce a new feature that is estimated to become available in the following quarter.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series has finally incorporated temperature sensors into its smartwatches, although these sensors were not functional at the time of the launch last year. However, that is about to change as Samsung is collaborating with the Natural Cycles fertility app to offer temperature-based menstrual tracking on the wrist.

According to Samsung's press release, the new feature will provide users with more in-depth insights into their cycles, but the exact nature of these insights is not specified. Various forms of advanced period tracking and digital fertility features exist in the market. For example, the temperature sensors on the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra allow menstruating users to view retrospective ovulation estimates, but do not provide predictions for future ovulation. On the other hand, the Oura Ring Gen 3 smart ring offers temperature-based menstrual predictions. Other wearable companies, such as Garmin, also offer period and pregnancy tracking.

Samsung stated that it is mainly aimed at providing users with an easy, convenient, and comprehensive view of their cycles, including retrospective ovulation estimates and menstrual predictions.

Natural Cycles has made history as one of only two companies to receive FDA clearance for its digital birth control technology. The company has already integrated its technology with wearable devices in the past. In 2021, it received FDA clearance to gather temperature data from wearables to make pregnancy predictions. Later, Natural Cycles partnered with Oura Health to use temperature data collected by its smart ring, eliminating the need for manual thermometer readings. This latest partnership with Samsung, however, marks the first time that Natural Cycles has adapted its algorithm to work with smartwatch temperature data.

Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro owners will have convenient access to the feature as it will be integrated into the Samsung Health app, without the need for a separate download. This aligns with Samsung's previous integrations with mindfulness and sleep-focused apps like Calm and Sleep Cycle.

The company has received approval from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and complies with Europe's CE marking requirements. Additionally, it has been registered with the FDA, although it is important to note that registration does not guarantee clearance or approval. Since Natural Cycles' algorithm has received FDA clearance, the Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro only need to be registered as supported devices. The feature will be available in 32 countries, including the US, starting in Q2 2023.