Temperature, blood pressure and diabetes detection: what features Apple is preparing for the future Apple Watch

By: Elena Shcherban | 02.09.2021, 18:02

Analysts at The Wall Street Journal have shared information about Apple's developments for future models of smartwatches Apple Watch. At the same time their sources claim to be familiar with Apple's plans and have access to internal company documents.

What to expect?

All planned features relate to health monitoring. One of them  is a thermometer that will not only be able to determine body temperature, but and help women have an idea of their ovulation cycle.

In turn, the tonometer will be able to measure blood pressure, and without the involvement of a standard inflatable cuff. Unlike  conventional devices, the Apple system measures the speed of the heartbeat wave through the user's arteries using sensors. The Apple Watch will then show the user how their blood pressure is changing, but not able to provide a basic measurement of systolic and diastolic pressure, which makes question the usefulness of this feature.

Apple is also allegedly exploring blood pressure monitoring with an additional uncuffed device that could provide a more accurate reading without inflating.

Also in development is detecting apnea (respiratory arrest) in sleep using the existing blood oxygen sensor, but there have been problems with implementation of this option. As, in fact, is with the diabetes detection feature. The report emphasizes that all of the features described are still only being studied and developed, but may eventually be delayed or cancelled . Even if the ideas are implemented  - it won't happen until 2022.

In addition, Apple is also reportedly pressuring the FDA to approve a number of updates to existing Apple Watch models. One update will allow people with atrial fibrillation to use the Apple Watch to track their condition with the passage of time. Another update will allow the Apple Watch to alert users to lower oxygen levels in blood.

Source: The Wall Street Journal