For years, Apple has been expressing a strong desire to expand its presence in the healthcare industry. A comprehensive report from Bloomberg sheds light on the extent of the company's healthcare aspirations and reveals the reasons for the delays it has encountered.

According to the article, Apple's grandest healthcare ambitions have encountered obstacles, including concerns expressed by top leaders such as CEO Tim Cook and COO Jeff Williams. These executives are reportedly apprehensive about the potential consequences of any mishaps in the high-stakes healthcare sector, which could potentially damage the company's reputation.

Apple's Ongoing Pursuit of Health Technology: Challenges and Progress

The Apple Watch's initial vision included blood glucose monitoring, but several obstacles, such as accuracy variations across different skin tones and blood types, have hindered its development. Nevertheless, Apple continues to invest significant resources in this endeavor, with in-house Mac and iPhone chip design teams leading the efforts. The company is exploring the use of AI to predict diabetes risk, but this feature is still far from fruition.

To maintain secrecy, Apple established a covert entity called Avolonte Health in 2011 to work on the Apple Watch blood glucose monitor. The project was kept tightly under wraps, with only top executives aware of its existence. Employees involved were forbidden from wearing Apple apparel, and even CEO Tim Cook would visit while incognito, wearing a baseball cap pulled low to avoid detection.

The Apple Watch was initially intended to debut with blood oxygen and EKG capabilities, but challenges related to component sourcing, battery life, and reliability led to their delay.
Apple's future plans for the Watch include limited blood pressure monitoring, which, like the current temperature sensor, will provide trend data rather than specific measurements. Users will be encouraged to log relevant information when their blood pressure shows an upward trend.

Apple explored the idea of health-focused smartwatch accessories, such as a bathroom scale, a non-inflating blood pressure cuff designed by Jony Ive, a sensor-laden wrist strap, and separate accessories for tracking sleep. However, none of these accessories have been released.

Although Apple was close to making the Apple Watch compatible with Android, it ultimately canceled the project, believing that the Watch's primary role is to drive iPhone sales.

Apple is also interested in entering the health clinic sector, with concepts for clinics inside Apple Stores and standalone locations. These clinics would utilize Apple Health data alongside advanced in-clinic diagnostics.

The Vision Pro headset is expected to incorporate health and fitness features, potentially integrating Fitness Plus, Apple's video workout service. There are rumors of planned features like yoga and tai chi workouts and the introduction of an AI health coach next year.

Apple's Ambivalence Toward Health and Fitness

Apple finds itself in a dilemma, torn between its aspirations in the health and fitness space and its concerns about the potential implications for its image. While it continuously introduces health-related features, such as a potential hearing aid function for AirPods and the Apple Watch's temperature sensors, the company is reluctant to fully commit to turning its products into comprehensive diagnostic tools.

Apple's primary focus remains on the "worried well" segment, those who are generally healthy but vigilant in monitoring their well-being for any early signs of health issues.
Furthermore, Apple faces competition from companies like Amazon, which has already launched a clinic program with some overlap in Apple's aspirations. This competitive environment poses additional challenges for Apple's health-related ventures.

One major hurdle is securing FDA approval for its health technologies, a rigorous and vital step that Apple must navigate before making definitive health claims. Currently, Apple provides insights and encourages users to consult with healthcare professionals when trends suggest health issues.

This hesitancy and these challenges have caused Apple to cautiously approach its health and fitness endeavors, navigating a fine line between innovation and preserving its brand image.