Apple’s long-awaited attempt to develop a non-invasive blood sugar monitoring feature for the Apple Watch remains several years away, despite more than 15 years of research and development, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman.
The concept of non-invasive blood sugar monitoring first emerged during the era of Steve Jobs. The goal was to enable Apple Watch sensors to alert users if they are in a prediabetic state, prompting them to take steps to potentially reverse the condition. Prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Early detection of prediabetes can help individuals prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes.
Recent reports indicate that the Apple Watch Series 10 nearly included a new sensor designed to monitor blood sugar levels. However, the feature did not make it into the final version of the device.
The Apple Watch Series 10 itself represents only a modest upgrade over the Series 9, with a larger screen and a thinner design. Despite this, had Apple’s initial plans succeeded, the Series 10 could have been a major breakthrough in digital health.
A recent leak from the X/@StellaFudge account shared photos of a prototype Apple Watch Series 10, revealing a sensor design that differs from the current model. The images show the back of the prototype with a large, circular sensor intended to monitor the user’s pulse. This sensor design is distinct from the one seen on the official Apple Watch Series 10, which is wider and takes up more space.
Notably, the prototype features additional halos around the sensors, though their exact purpose remains unclear.
The prototype is said to be running a version of watchOS 11.1 (build 22R5575x), which is an unreleased version between watchOS 11.1 beta 5 and the release candidate. However, testing of the sensors is not possible, as Apple’s built-in apps are only available on the company’s internal servers.
Speculation among Apple device collectors suggests that these sensors could be part of a test for non-invasive blood sugar monitoring.
Apple has long expressed interest in expanding the Apple Watch’s health capabilities, including blood sugar monitoring, which could be invaluable for diabetics or those at risk. Currently, blood sugar monitoring relies on invasive methods, such as blood sample collection. While Apple is reportedly working on a non-invasive method, the technology has yet to be made available on the Apple Watch.
If the prototype does indeed feature blood sugar monitoring, it could signal that Apple is closer to a breakthrough in health technology than previously anticipated. However, without further confirmation from Apple, it is likely to be years before this feature becomes available on consumer devices.
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