The cost of cloud services and the cost of AI will also go down in the future, so we’ll try very hard to keep it for free’: Coros’ CEO on how the smartwatch maker is swerving subscriptions for now —

Coros, a smartwatch maker, has announced its intention to avoid adopting subscription-based models for its AI-powered features, standing apart from competitors like Garmin and Whoop who do charge for premium services. The CEO emphasized that as the costs of cloud computing and AI technology steadily decline, Coros aims to keep its advanced features accessible without requiring recurring fees from users. This strategy contrasts with Garmin, which faced backlash after introducing a paid tier for its Garmin Connect+ service, leaving many customers frustrated, particularly those who had recently purchased expensive devices expecting full access to all features. Coros is navigating the industry’s shift by betting on future cost reductions in AI and cloud infrastructure to maintain free access to its smartwatch capabilities and provide value without customer lock-in through subscription fees. This approach could appeal to consumers wary of ongoing costs and those looking for a straightforward, one-time purchase experience while still benefiting from AI-driven insights in fitness tracking and health monitoring. Coros’ emphasis on affordability and accessible technology reflects broader trends in the wearable tech market, where innovation in AI integration combines with competitive pricing to attract users in a crowded space dominated by major players. Their commitment to avoiding subscription models may strengthen user loyalty and differentiate Coros in the evolving smartwatch landscape.