Apple is continuing to develop its own non-invasive glucose monitoring for Apple Watch. Although developments are still in the works, it’s being reported that the feature is still “many years away.”
That’s at least according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. In a recent report, Gurman predicts that Apple’s implementation of a non-invasive glucose monitor will not debut in a consumer-ready product for quite some time due to the complexities of the technology. Apple has been working on this technology for over 15 years, going all the way back to when Steve Jobs was still the head of Apple.
For Apple to introduce a non-invasive glucose monitor, Apple Watch will have to implement a way to use optical absorption spectroscopy and sensors to read and analyze concentrations of glucose. In most cases, glucose monitoring requires users to puncture the skin with a tiny prick to test blood sugar. It’s been reported that Apple is instead looking to implement a silicon photonics chip and use optical absorption spectroscopy to shine a light to determine that concentration.
In 2023, Apple had reportedly reached the proof-of-concept stage for this technology. At the time, Gurman stated that Apple’s Exploratory Design Group (XDG) managed to distill the prototype for this technology down to roughly the size of an iPhone. It’s believed that since that time, a team of hundreds of engineers have been working to integrate the technology into an Apple Watch.
With a non-invasive glucose monitor, Apple Watch owners will be able to monitor prediabetes signs. This Apple Watch sensor would be able to monitor and inform the user if they are pre-diabetic. This way, they’ll be able to be proactive in reversing the condition before it becomes too severe. Monitoring blood sugar levels is the most pragmatic way to catch on-set diabetes before the diagnosis is too high. Monitoring early stages will enable users to change habits and prevent type 2 diabetes from setting in.
This week, Gurman also reported that Apple is developing a new AI-powered health coaching feature. This would theoretically be designed to compete with apps like MyFitnessPal, offering personalized health recommendations as part of a potential Apple Health+ service.
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