
Polar unveils its own subscription plan following Garmin's controversial proposal.
Welcome to the future.
Polar has launched its new Fitness Program, a subscription-based addition to the Polar ecosystem, which will cost €9.99 per month (approximately $11 / £8.50 / AU$18). This customizable training program lasts four weeks and is described as adaptable and science-backed, utilizing data collected from Polar user accounts.
Subscribers will receive weekly and monthly rewards, although specific details about these have not been provided. This new program is presented as "an ideal addition for those seeking more adaptable training methods."
In a statement, Polar clarified that the Polar Flow app will continue to be free and that a subscription is not necessary to enjoy all of Polar's products and services. It is noteworthy that Polar seems to be aware of the negative impact following the reception of Garmin Connect+, a paid tier that was added to their previously free app. As a result, many Garmin users expressed concern over the possibility that future features would be restricted behind a paywall.
The Polar statement uses terms like "customized" and "adaptable," which are often associated with artificial intelligence in the tech industry. While Garmin has faced criticism for using generative artificial intelligence to provide analyses that many consider questionable, Polar's approach appears to be different. A company spokesperson indicated that, while AI is being used in certain aspects to customize the programs, generative artificial intelligence is not being implemented as Garmin does.
Additionally, the Polar representative reaffirmed that the launch of the Fitness Program will not affect the development of other services from the brand, ensuring that they will continue to roll out new features for all user levels. The new program is already available for Android users in the European Union, Norway, and the United Kingdom, with plans for expansion to iOS later this year.