Apple Executives Share Insights on Groundbreaking Health Integration, Addressing Exclusive Support
In the latest watchOS 10.2 update for Apple Watches, a notable feature takes center stage: the ability to access and log Health app data using Siri. While this enhancement marks a significant step forward in health data accessibility, it’s currently exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. In a recent interview, Apple executives shed light on the decision and the privacy-first approach that guided its implementation.
Deidre Caldbeck, Apple’s senior director of product marketing for Apple Watch and Health, highlighted the company’s commitment to making health data as accessible as possible. She explained, “A big part of our focus is making health data accessible, and so we think this feature certainly brings us more and more closer to that goal.”
The delayed introduction of Health queries to Siri was a deliberate move to prioritize user privacy. Caldbeck noted that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are the first models with the processing power to handle requests locally on-device with low latency, ensuring a secure and efficient experience.
Katie Skinner, a senior manager for user privacy engineering at Apple, emphasized the privacy-first approach to Health logging via Siri. The feature adheres to the same four principles as other health products: “data minimization; on-device processing; transparency; and control and security.”
The current launch allows Siri to access over 20 Health app data types, with Caldbeck expressing Apple’s commitment to continuous improvement. She stated, “We’re always looking for ways to improve and enhance our features. So we will certainly continue to explore adding additional data types and offering more accessibility to our health features through Siri.”
However, there are limitations. Health logging via Siri is currently exclusive to English (United States) and Mandarin Chinese (China mainland). Apple assures users that “more languages” will follow, though a specific timeline remains unspecified.
As Apple pioneers the intersection of technology and health, the Siri + Health feature in watchOS 10.2 exemplifies the company’s dedication to innovation, privacy, and expanding accessibility to vital health insights.
