Apple Prepares to Launch Advanced Health Features Including Sleep Apnea, Blood Pressure, and Blood Glucose Monitoring in Upcoming Devices
Innovation Expanded Across Apple's Portfolio: Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure Sensors to Debut on Apple Watch; AirPods to Work as Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids; and VisionPro to Include Anti-Anxiety and Meditation Features in Future Releases, Marking New Era of Health Monitoring.
- Apple is embarking on several health-focused initiatives, including expanding the functionality of the Apple Watch to monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, and sleep apnea. The blood pressure and glucose systems will initially provide trending information rather than exact values, helping users identify potential health risks early.
- The upcoming Apple Watch might feature a built-in thermometer currently used for fertility tracking for additional functionality such as fever detection. Apple is also said to be seeking regulatory approval to interpret blood oxygen data, raising its potential for providing meaningful health insights.
- Future AirPod models are anticipated to serve as over-the-counter hearing aids, marking Apple's significant foray into the health sector with its audio devices. The AirPods will be capable of conducting hearing tests that are generally performed in an audiologist's office.
- Apple Vision Pro, an innovative device introduced in 2023, is expected to gain new features such as anti-anxiety and meditation features and a virtual reality system. The device will also collect cognitive health data by scanning the wearer's eyes and may potentially incorporate a headset version of Fitness+.
- Despite predictions of these advancements, Bloomberg emphasizes that these feature developments are subject to Apple meeting its high reliability standards before bringing these health metrics to the public. This reflects Apple's commitment to ensuring accuracy and user safety in its healthcare offerings.