Apple is Reportedly Working on Glucose Monitoring Technology

Apple is reportedly working on noninvasive glucose tracking technology that could eventually ship in future Apple Watch models. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the project recently hit “major milestones”, though the launch of Apple’s glucose tracking technology could still be years away.

The Bloomberg report claims that Apple has been working on the project for the past 12 years, starting when Steve Jobs was still CEO of the company. Unlike existing glucose monitoring systems that require poking the skin to take a blood sample, Apple’s technology is said to be relying on a light-based measurement process.

“The system uses lasers to emit specific wavelengths of light into an area below the skin where there is interstitial fluid — substances that leak out of capillaries — that can be absorbed by glucose. The light is then reflected back to the sensor in a way that indicates the concentration of glucose. An algorithm then determines a person’s blood glucose level,” Gurman explained.

According to the report, “hundreds of engineers” are currently working on the project, and the next step is to create an iPhone-sized prototype device that could be strapped to a person’s bicep for continuous glucose monitoring. Ultimately, Apple may want this technology to help people discover if they’re at risk to develop Type 2 diabetes.

In recent years, Apple has added several healthcare features to its Apple Watch including heart rate and irregular rhythm notifications, atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection, an ECG app, and more. Adding glucose monitoring to the mix could definitely help to make the Apple Watch an even more attractive wearable device for health-conscious consumers.