One in a Million

Apple has transformed not just our work habits but society as a whole. The term smartphone was popularized with the arrival of the iPhone, and with 2.2 billion units sold, it has become an integral part of our routines. The ubiquitous sight of people walking with their heads down, scrolling through their devices, is a phenomenon that emerged with the iPhone's integration into our culture.

Before the iPhone, Apple was more of a niche brand, appealing primarily to creatives and designers, often shrouded in mystery. However, this single product changed everything, making it indispensable. Now, forgetting to take your phone when leaving home feels like a significant loss. While many companies might be satisfied with one major cultural impact, Apple continues to strive for more.

One More Thing

The company has skillfully crafted its ecosystem—an unprecedented achievement for a tech firm. Once you acquire your first iPhone or iPad, it often leads you to invest in a Mac, subscribe to various services, and possibly even purchase an Apple Watch. This seamless integration makes it challenging to disengage; once you're in, it can feel like a commitment.

As we anticipate the launch of Apple Vision—their AR/VR headset—they're also focusing on enhancing existing devices, particularly the Apple Watch, which may have a more profound impact on our lives than even the iPhone.

Apple excels at creating technology and sectors that consumers didn't know they desired. The iPad was groundbreaking, but its impact pales in comparison to the Apple Watch, which has pioneered the wearable healthcare market. When CEO Tim Cook first showcased the Apple Watch at the Apple Watch 6 event, it was a defining moment. Now with over 100 million users, it has evolved into a 24/7 health monitor.

Biggest Achievement

The Apple Watch has progressed beyond simple fitness tracking, with the introduction of a reliable ECG app marking a significant milestone. Previously, electrocardiograms were only available in clinical settings, but now, the watch allows users to monitor their heart's electrical activity anytime.

Apple envisioned the Apple Watch as more than just a timepiece; it was designed to consolidate vital health information in a secure, easily accessible format. The Health app was developed to collect data from various sources, ensuring that users maintain control over their health information. As Apple states,

> “Health puts important information at your fingertips, including your health records, medications, labs, activity, and sleep. It collects data from your iPhone, Apple Watch, and compatible third-party devices while ensuring privacy through encryption.”

Privacy is a cornerstone of Apple's philosophy, making them a trustworthy steward of such sensitive data. Healthcare professionals are increasingly requesting access to this information, as the watch's continuous monitoring capabilities provide valuable insights over time.

Partnering Up

The Apple Watch and Health app are now collaborating with local healthcare providers, easing the burden on systems strained by budget cuts and staffing shortages. This partnership enables more tests to be conducted safely at home, marking a shift towards cost-effective, at-home health monitoring.

Insurance companies are also piloting programs that offer discounts for regular sharing of health data with physicians. The more data collected, the better the outcomes for health management.

For instance, the ECG feature allows for continuous heart monitoring, surpassing the effectiveness of traditional short-term tests conducted in a hospital setting.

More to Come

In a recent podcast, discussions centered on the next major advancement for the Apple Watch: non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Traditionally, diabetics rely on finger-prick tests, but Apple is developing a silicon photonics chip that will utilize optical absorption spectroscopy to measure glucose levels through the skin.

Although this technology is still in the early stages of development, with promising progress made, it has not yet been miniaturized to fit within a wearable device. However, initial prototypes have already shrunk considerably.

Apple's commitment to this initiative is evident, as their exploratory design group has been working on this feature for years. Significant investments have been made, with hundreds of researchers dedicated to perfecting this technology, which could change diabetes management forever.

The Dream

The ultimate goal for Apple is to develop a system that can alert users to potential early signs of diabetes, a prospect that involves navigating complex regulatory environments globally. Achieving this milestone would cement Apple's status as a leader in wearable health technology.

Wrapping Up

When the Apple Watch was introduced, it was primarily regarded as a fitness tracker. Fast forward eight years, and it has become a sophisticated health monitoring device. With features like blood oxygen and ECG testing already available, and ongoing developments in the health app, the addition of non-invasive glucose testing seems inevitable.

What once felt like science fiction is now a reality, offering meaningful health monitoring directly from your wrist. The advancements in technology are truly remarkable.

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Originally published at https://talkingtechandaudio.com on February 27, 2023.