Apple Watch Series 7 may feature blood glucose monitoring, rumor suggests
The next Apple Watch iteration may feature blood glucose monitoring technology, according to a report from Korea’s ETNews, which claims the Apple Watch Series 7 will feature optical sensors for a non-invasive blood glucose measuring system.
The traditional way to measure blood sugar levels is by testing a drop of blood in a blood sugar meter or using an implant known as a CGM. It is understood that like how Apple uses sensors on the current-generation Apple Watch to allow users to perform an electrocardiogram on their wrist, to show whether their heart rhythm indicates signs of atrial fibrillation, the Apple Watch Series 7 will have sensors that could notify the wearer when there has been a change in their blood sugar levels or assist them in recording data to assist with their care for diabetes.
The report says Apple is “focusing on securing reliability and stability before the commercialization of the technology,” which is expected to arrive in September this year. In 2017 a CNBC report said “Apple has a secret team working on the holy grail for treating diabetes,” with a secret group of biomedical engineers developing sensors to monitor blood sugar levels at a nondescript office in Palo Alto, California.
“They are part of a super secret initiative, initially envisioned by the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs,” reported CNBC.
Apple launched its ECG capabilities first in the United States in 2018 and since then the company has continued the rollout of the technology across the world. Apple Watch has regularly been credited for saving lives and helping users seek medical attention to treat hidden, underlying medical conditions.