The Apple Watch Series 7 will have blood glucose monitoring through an optical sensor, according to ETNews.
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The report, which focuses primarily on the blood glucose capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, explains that Apple plans to bring blood glucose monitoring to the next Apple Watch Series 7 using a non-invasive optical sensor.
Measuring blood glucose levels, also known as blood sugar levels, is vital for controlling conditions like diabetes. Typically, measuring blood glucose requires testing a drop of blood on a blood sugar meter or using an implanted continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The ability to observe large increases or decreases in blood glucose can increase awareness of a potential health condition or simply help to improve the user’s diet.
Apple is said to have secured patents on blood glucose monitoring, and the company is now reportedly “focused on ensuring reliability and stability before the technology is commercialized.” The optical sensor designed by Apple is believed to be a continuous monitoring solution that does not require an implant.
Rumors suggest that Apple has been interested in adding blood glucose monitoring to the Apple Watch for some time. The company reportedly established a team of biomedical engineers and consultants working specifically on sensors to monitor blood sugar levels non-invasively in 2017, and work on the sensor progressed to testing at clinical centers in the San Francisco Bay area. Apple CEO Tim Cook was seen testing what was believed to be a prototype glucose monitor connected to his Apple Watch.
Apple has added new health-related features to the Apple Watch in recent years, such as the ability to measure blood oxygen levels or have an ECG. At the end of last year, “Tim Cook” sparked the future of the Apple Watch, saying the device is still “in the early stages”, with Apple testing “mind-boggling” features in its labs. “Think about the amount of sensors in your car,” Cook said, adding, “and without a doubt, your body is much more important than your car.”
The Apple Watch Series 7 is expected to arrive later this year, but there have been few rumors about what the new models may present. Although there have been reports of microLED monitors and solid state buttons with tactile feedback for the Apple Watch, they are not expected directly for the Apple Watch Series 7.