The upcoming Apple Watch will use AI to detect health issues as they happen.
Apple is reportedly working on a new Apple Watch model to be released in 2024. Apart from an updated design, the new Watch will also have new features and most importantly, AI capabilities such as sleep apnea and hypertension detection.
As per a Bloomberg report (link—paywalled), the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 will have features to detect elevated blood pressure and sleep disturbances with the help of a basic blood pressure sensor. This sensor will use near-infrared spectroscopy to gauge blood pressure changes.
Though such a sensor cannot have the accuracy and reliability of devices that are designed to monitor blood pressure, it can detect fluctuations, such as elevations, in the blood pressure pretty reliably, which should be sufficient for the majority of users who need at-home health monitoring, as medical devices can be extremely expensive.
For example, with the help of this feature, Apple Watch users, their emergency contacts, or doctors can be notified of any spike in blood pressure or during episodes of sleep apnea. Timely attention is always preferred in serious disorders such as sleep apnea, and the next Apple Watch could have far-ranging benefits.
This advanced health monitoring is powered by AI.
