Apple’s comprehensive new health study, its largest yet, investigates how its mobile devices and other technology can improve users’ physical and mental well-being, the iPhone giant said Wednesday. The Apple Health Study, now available through the just-updated Research app, comes in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate.
“We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of how technology can improve our understanding of human health,” said cardiologist and Harvard Medical School professor Calum MacRae, M.D., Ph.D., the study’s principal investigator. “We are excited to be part of the Apple Health Study, as it will continue to explore connections across different areas of health using technology that so many people carry with them every day.”
New holistic Apple Health Study launches in Research app
The groundbreaking study aims to leverage data from Apple’s ecosystem of devices, including iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, to better understand the intricate connections between various aspects of health. This research initiative will explore previously understudied relationships, such as how mental health affects heart rate patterns and the influence of sleep quality on exercise performance. And any U.S. resident can join in the study through Apple’s Research app if they meet age requirements and agree to informed consent.
Building on previous success
Photo: Apple
The new study builds upon Apple’s existing research initiatives, including the Apple Women’s Health Study, Apple Hearing Study and Apple Heart and Movement Study. These previous studies have collectively engaged more than 350,000 participants across the United States, demonstrating the company’s ability to conduct large-scale health research through its device ecosystem.
“The valuable insights we’ve gained since launching the Research app have allowed us to bring innovative new tools to our users, including the Vitals app on Apple Watch and Walking Steadiness on iPhone,” said Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of Health.
What sets this new study apart is its comprehensive scope, examining multiple health domains:
- Activity and mobility patterns
- Aging-related health changes
- Cardiovascular and circulatory health
- Cognitive function
- Hearing health
- Menstrual health
- Mental well-being
- Metabolic health
- Neurologic conditions
- Respiratory function
- Sleep patterns
Apple Health Study: Participation and privacy
Photo: Apple
U.S. residents who meet the age requirements can now enroll in the study through the Research app. The study emphasizes user privacy and control. It allows participants to choose which types of data they share with researchers. Apple has implemented strict privacy measures, ensuring that researchers cannot access identifying information such as contact details provided through the Research app.
The longitudinal, virtual study design represents a significant advancement in medical research methodology. Traditional research often faces limitations in participant numbers, data collection capabilities and study duration. By looking to widely-used consumer devices, the Apple Health Study overcomes those constraints.
Early detection and preventive health
In one key objective, the study will investigate how technology can identify early warning signs of health changes. The research team believes that when health status changes, the body often produces detectable signals, both physical and emotional. By better understanding these signals, the study could help develop more proactive approaches to health management. For example, researchers suggest that early detection of hearing health changes might help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
This initiative reflects Apple’s growing commitment to health research and innovation, potentially paving the way for future health-focused features across its device ecosystem. As more users participate in the study, the collected data could lead to breakthrough insights in understanding the interconnected nature of physical and mental health. And it may lead to more effective digital health solutions for everyone.
Source: Apple
