A new “clinic-on-the-wrist” health system from Apple supplier Rockley Photonics reinforces expectations that the Apple Watch will eventually receive non-invasive glucose monitoring.
Apple has reportedly been working on a glucose monitoring system for the Apple Watch for years, with some rumors suggesting it will be included in the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7. But that was considered unlikely due to the complexity of the technology. Be that as it may, the British company, known to have a significant relationship with Apple, has now unveiled a "clinic-on-the-wrist" health sensor system announced:
Rockley's sensor module and associated consumer product reference designs integrate hardware and application firmware to enable wearable devices to monitor multiple biomarkers, including core body temperature, blood pressure, body hydration, alcohol, lactate and glucose trends, among others.
The company said the system will be used in "a series of internal human studies" over the next few months. The system is roughly the size and shape of an Apple Watch. However, it is unlikely to be marketed in this form - or directly by Rockley Photonics. Instead, it is a test platform that will be adapted by other companies. Rockley explains:
Apple Watch Series 8 could adopt the system
Our reference designs will make it much easier for our customers and partners to use our technology and accelerate their own scalable, high-volume product delivery.
In May knownthat Apple is Rockley Photonics' largest customer. The company's filings said that Apple has accounted for the majority of its revenue over the past two years and that it has an ongoing "supply and development agreement" with the company under which it expects to continue to be heavily dependent on Apple for the majority of its revenue. Given Rockley Photonics' growth and the extent of Apple's partnership with the company, it seems very likely that the company's health sensor technology will be integrated into the Apple Watch sooner rather than later, assuming the technology lives up to expectations. Rockley has stated that its sensors could appear in smartwatches and other electronic devices as early as next year, which could coincide with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 8 models. So, things remain pretty exciting. (Photo by Unsplash / Gijs Coolen)
