In a significant shift, Apple is positioning its latest products — the Apple Watch Series 10 and the new AirPods 4 — as pivotal tools for improving health.
At its September 9 event, Apple showcased these devices’ new health-centric features, which aim to address prevalent issues such as sleep apnea and hearing loss.
Apple’s foray into health tech
Historically, smartphones, including Apple’s iPhones, have been criticized for contributing to various health problems, from diminished attention spans to poor sleep quality. Apple’s recent product launch marks a strategic pivot to counter this narrative by highlighting the health benefits of its devices.
The company unveiled new features designed to combat hearing loss and monitor sleep apnea, which has been well-received by observers and tech reviewers. Notable tech reviewer Marques Brownlee praised integrating clinical-grade hearing aid functionality into the AirPods Pro 2, while Box CEO Aaron Levie highlighted the potential impact on users with hearing loss.
This health-focused approach aligns with Apple’s long-standing ambition to contribute significantly to personal well-being. CEO Tim Cook stated that he sees health as a crucial area in which Apple can dramatically impact society. Given the recent stagnation in Apple’s business growth and increasing competition from Chinese tech companies, the push into health technology could serve as a revitalizing force for the company’s product lineup.
Clinical edge
Apple’s emphasis on health technology is underscored by its use of the term “clinical” throughout the launch event. The new Apple Watch Series 10 introduces a sleep apnea detection algorithm developed and validated through clinical-grade tests. This feature is part of Apple’s broader strategy to effectively leverage its devices’ ability to collect and analyze health data.
Similarly, the new AirPods Pro features a clinically validated hearing test that transforms the earbuds into a clinical-grade hearing aid. Dr. Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, highlighted the company’s unique capability to integrate health technology into everyday devices, leveraging its extensive hardware and software ecosystem.
Analysts suggest that Apple’s focus on health tech aligns with its broader strategy of offering advanced and integrated solutions. Ben Bajarin, principal analyst at Creative Strategies, noted that Apple’s dominance in the wireless headphones market provides a prime opportunity for innovation. He believes the advanced health features are designed to inspire existing customers to upgrade their devices by showcasing the significant advancements over previous models.
What happens when tech companies foray into health tech
Despite these advancements, Apple’s foray into health technology is challenging. The company has faced setbacks in this sector, including a temporary ban on selling specific Apple Watch models due to intellectual property disputes. As Apple continues integrating more medical features into its devices, it must navigate regulatory hurdles and potential legal issues. For instance, the new sleep apnea detection feature on the Apple Watch Series 10 and the AirPods Pro 2 is pending approval from regulatory bodies like the FDA.
Apple’s experience with the Apple Watch, which faced legal issues over its blood-oxygen sensor, illustrates the complexities of incorporating health technology into consumer products. These disputes and concerns about the accuracy of health data highlight the risks associated with expanding into this field.
However, technology equity analyst Angelo Zino of CFRA Research believes the opportunities outweigh these risks. He notes that Apple’s focus on privacy and secure data storage helps mitigate some risks compared to other tech companies venturing into health technology. Sara Geoghegan from the Electronic Privacy Information Center emphasized that Apple’s approach to local data storage in the Health App is more privacy-conscious than sharing information with third parties.
What it means for consumers
As consumers increasingly seek health services beyond traditional medical settings, Apple’s new health features could significantly influence this trend. The company’s ability to integrate advanced health technology into widely used devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods positions it uniquely in the market. While questions about the effectiveness and accuracy of these technologies remain, Apple’s commitment to accessibility and privacy may well drive a significant impact on personal health management.
