Later versions of the Apple Watch could be focused more on health than prior models, including reading a person’s body temperature and blood sugar levels, a new report says.
According to Bloomberg, the new features, which likely will not be a part of the 2021 upgrade, but rather the 2022 model, have been in the works for some time.
It’s unclear if they will be included in a new version of the watch that Apple is reportedly marketing to extreme sports athletes or if it would be a part of the annual upgrade.
Blood glucose levels have traditionally been taken by pricking a fingertip with a device, then applying it to a glucose meter.
However, in recent years scientists have worked on creating new methods to read blood sugar levels.
In 2018, a stick patch was created to better read blood sugar, while two years later, a wearable heart monitor using artificial intelligence was created to help those with Type 1 diabetes.
New versions of the Apple Watch could be focused more on health than prior models, including reading a person’s body temperature and blood sugar levels
Blood glucose levels have traditionally been taken by pricking a fingertip with a device and then applying it to a glucose meter
It’s unclear if the new features will be included in a new version of the watch that Apple is reportedly gearing to extreme sports athletes or if it would be a part of the annual upgrade
The ‘explorer’ or ‘adventure’ edition was reportedly set to be released this year, but that has been pushed back to 2022, Bloomberg added.
Earlier this year, DailyMail.com reported that an explorer version of the Apple Watch, which could have a rubberized frame and extra impact resistance, was in the works.
The 2021 version of the Apple Watch will reportedly get several minor upgrades from the 2020 edition, Bloomberg added.
These include a faster processor, better wireless connectivity and a new screen with a thinner display.
It will also have an updated ultra-wideband technology, letting users unlock hotel rooms, something it showed off with watch OS 8 at its recent developer conference.
Apple has not yet responded to a request for comment for this story.
In 2019, CEO Tim Cook told CNBC’s Jim Cramer Apple’s ‘greatest contribution to mankind’ would be health related.
‘I believe, if you zoom out into the future, and you look back, and you ask the question, ‘What was Apple’s greatest contribution to mankind?’ it will be about health,’ Cook told Cramer.
‘We are taking what has been with the institution and empowering the individual to manage their health. And we’re just at the front end of this,’ he added.
‘But I do think, looking back, in the future, you will answer that question: Apple’s most important contribution to mankind has been in health.’
Since then, the company has unveiled several new health-related apps and services as the company continues to make good on Cook’s words.
These include a heart monitor for the Apple Watch, reading blood oxygen levels as part of the Apple Watch 6, a Fitness+ subscription service launched in late 2020 and most recently, new health tools as part of Apple’s upcoming iOS 15.
The news comes just days after an exec at Facebook, which has intensified its rivalry with Apple, confirmed the company is working on its own smartwatch.
Apple has largely dominated the smartwatch industry, according to Counterpoint Research.
As of the first quarter of 2021, Apple accounted for 33 percent of the market. The next largest manufacturers were Samsung and Huawei, each with 8 percent, respectively.
