While we’re not expecting the blood pressure sensor to make its way to the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7, Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple is planning a plethora of new health features to come to the Apple Watch. However, most of these features are not likely to debut before next year due to either technological difficulties or requirements from the FDA approval. Because these features are currently under study and in development, they could be either delayed or ultimately cancelled.
First, Apple is considering adding a thermometer to the Apple Watch for fertility/sleep tracking. Eventually, Apple may improve the thermometer to track fevers. Second, Apple may add blood-pressure monitoring to detect the presence of hypertension with sensors that can detect the heartbeat’s wave speed inside the user’s arteries. Additionally, Apple is investigating an additional cuff-less device that don’t need inflating but could provide more precise readings.
Third, Apple already has blood oxygen detection supported on the Apple Watch Series 6, and the company has been studying further to detect for sleep apena. However, the biggest challenge would be to take sufficient readings while consuming less battery life. Fourth, diabetes detection is also part of the company’s plans as the company is working with the National University of Singapore to study lifestyle coaching for pre-diabetic people. However, with the challenges with non-invasive blood glucose measuring, progress has been at a crawl.
For existing models, the big company has a number of updates up its sleeves that would require FDA approval. These updates would allow for all-day tracking for people with atrial fibrillation as well as low blood-oxygen level alerts. At the time, atrial fibrillation is limited to detecting signs, and blood-oxygen monitoring is limited to readings.
The Apple Watch is proven to save lives. Just recently it rescued a 70-year old woman with AFib heat condition. What do you think of those concept health features for the Apple Watch? Let us know in the comments below. Follow us on Twitter or Instagram. Also – make sure to subscribe to our new video podcast on YouTube!
