TechSmartwatchesApple Watch tipped to get a major new health tracking upgradeReport says Apple has reached a “major milestone” in blood glucose monitoringWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatchesApple Watch tipped to get a major new health tracking upgradeReport says Apple has reached a “major milestone” in blood glucose monitoringWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Report says Apple has reached a “major milestone” in blood glucose monitoring
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
TheApple Watch Series 8is one of thebest smartwatchesyou can buy, especially if you have aniPhone. But there’s one sensor that’s been on many people’s wish lists for a long time now: a blood glucose monitor. And while that sensor isn’t in theApple Watchyet, it looks like it’s coming to a future version ofApple’s wearable.
According to areportin Bloomberg, Apple’s “moonshot-style project” to bring non-invasive blood glucose monitoring to the Apple Watch has reached a “major milestone” in its development. It’s not ready for the Watch just yet – the prototype is apparently the size of aniPhone– but the tech works, and now it’s just a matter of making it small enough to fit into a wearable device. Given that the last prototype was apparently the size of a table, that’s a process that Apple has already started.
Why blood glucose monitoring is a big win for Apple
For people with diabetes, blood glucose monitoring is crucial – and a pain, because it usually involves a needle. Apple’s approach is different. It uses optical absorption spectroscopy, which uses a laser to shine light through the skin in order to determine how much glucose is in your blood.
The benefits of such a sensor don’t just apply to people with diabetes. It might also be able to warn you of pre-diabetic symptoms, which would enable you to make lifestyle changes to prevent those symptoms becoming full diabetes.
The challenge here isn’t just a technological one, though. It’s a regulatory one too. Such a sensor is a medical device, and that means Apple would need to get US government approval; according to Bloomberg, Apple’s people are already talking to US regulators about just that.
This is a genuinely exciting development, but we do need to curb our enthusiasm a little bit: you’re not going to see this sensor in the Apple Watch Series 9 or even the Series 10. But it looks like Apple has cracked the hard bit, which is making an accurate non-invasive sensor. The rest is really just engineering.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
TOPICSapple watchapple
TOPICS
Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
It’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
OMEGA puts the moon on your wrist with its new Speedmaster Moonphase MeteoriteOMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
OMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
A new Apple TV 4K box is reportedly coming, it’s just a matter of whenWhat will it offer though and will it change design?
What will it offer though and will it change design?
Apple’s affordable iPad set for major speed boost and Apple IntelligenceIt’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
It’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
Apple already sells a device thinner than the rumoured iPhone 17 AirThe slimming world of Apple
The slimming world of Apple
Apple MacBook Pro set for its biggest upgrade in many yearsIt’s great news for Apple fans
It’s great news for Apple fans
Your older Apple Watch may now be obsoleteOlder Apple Watch users may be in for a nasty shock
Older Apple Watch users may be in for a nasty shock
Apple iPhone could get a major camera boost… thanks to SamsungYou’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
You’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
If the iPhone 17 Pro looks like this, I’ll eat my hat!Surely this is highly unlikely?
Surely this is highly unlikely?
The next iPhone SE could be in for its biggest change yetBut will it simplify or confuse things?
But will it simplify or confuse things?
