The Apple Watch isn’t coming out for months, but that isn’t stopping rumors from surfacing about future hardware iterations. Apple has plans for tracking much more about your health than what its Watch can do currently.
Apple “is planning to unveil richer health features and additional sensors in later versions,” according to Reuters. At first glance, that’s pretty obvious. It’s like saying that each new iPhone will feature faster specs and a better camera. But it also indicates that Apple has more ambitious plans for its Watch than what we’ve seen.
Based on what Apple revealed this week, its first-gen Watch will be able to measure heart rate and location with an accelerometer, GPS, and WiFi. That’s pretty basic when you consider the rumors leading up to Tuesday’s keynote. Reports said the ‘iWatch’ would be able to measure the wearer’s glucose levels, hydration, sleep, and even sweat.
In June, The Wall Street Journal said that Apple’s wearable would feature over 10 different health sensors. Apple has hired medical experts in just about every field, including blood and respiratory research. The full scope of what Apple wants to be able to measure has obviously not been realized.
Another idea tossed around before Tuesday was that Apple would partner with health insurance providers to share and analyze users’ health data. Along with helping customers deal with chronic conditions, that would require government regulation Apple doesn’t have to undergo right now.
Source: ReutersA
