Samsung Watch 7 API access to IMU readings and aggregate IMU reading

Samsung Developer Program
1

Hi,

Can you please tell, which models of the Samsung Watch 7 can be used for IMU readings by 3rd party developers? ChatGPT models think that developer access to IMU readings may vary by sub-models, and this information is not available on the consumer pages for this product, which as said, has really many sub-models.

Do all models of the Samsung Watch 7 provide access via the standard WearOS API? do they also provide access to the (Madgwick or otherwise, this is probably the TYPE_ROTATION_VECTOR android property) algorithmically aggregated (fused) device orientation?

ChatGPT thinks that:

Documented Precedent with Previous Samsung Watches

Samsung’s WearOS watches (e.g., Galaxy Watch 4, 5, 6) have a history of inconsistent sensor availability for third-party developers:

  • Some developers could access TYPE_ROTATION_VECTOR, others could not — even on the same model — depending on:
    • Firmware version
    • App privilege level
    • Installation method (sideload vs. Galaxy Store)

Thanks!

2

Hello,
As far as I know, Samsung does not provide IMU data directly through API for 3rd party apps.
You can calculate it with the help of Accelerometer and Gyroscope.

Yes definitely, there would be some model specific behavior because all models are handled by separate development teams. And all of their own business strategy. But according to my experience most of the models works almost similarly if they are from similar time laps. Yes, definitely you can not compare the 2025 devices with the devices from very old ages.

If you want specific information, then you should share the query for specific model. You can also reach Developer Support with specific query for specific model so that the particular team can analysis this separately.

Thanks

3

Hi @SNS_1205, I thank you for explaining how the variability emerges from the model development pipeline and org structure.

Your comment about the fused rotation vector through the API might seem to be mildly contradicted by e.g. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/79337513/how-to-get-type-rotation-vector-sensor-data-on-galaxy-watch7 however.