Bloomberg: Apple is working on non-invasive blood glucose measurement technology for Apple Watch, but so far there is only an iPhone-sized prototype

We've heard repeatedly that Apple is diligently developing non-invasive blood glucose measurement technology for the Apple Watch. What stage this project is at now, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman tells us.

Here's What We Know

Apple began work on alternative glucose monitoring after buying RareLight in 2010 at the behest of Steve Jobs. And now the company has made notable progress. Apple wants to be able to warn people if they have pre-diabetes, allowing them to make lifestyle changes before full-blown diabetes develops.

The technology allows blood glucose levels to be measured without piercing the skin as classic glucose meters do. It uses a photon chip and a laser to 'scan' the bloodstream under the skin and make the tests.

The problem at the moment is the size of the chip. The current prototype device is the same size as an iPhone, and the previous version was even larger - it required a tabletop. So now the chip needs to be compressed down to a size that could fit into a smartwatch. So it's likely we won't be seeing this feature in the Apple Watch any time soon.

Source: Bloomberg