The Apple Watch continues to stand out in the smartwatch market, with its latest model, the Series 10, offering a larger, brighter, and thinner design along with enhanced health monitoring features. Increasingly, many users, especially within the Chinese community, are utilizing the Apple Watch as a “medical device,” particularly beneficial for seniors and women who are trying to conceive.
The new Series 10 model has introduced sleep apnea monitoring, where the watch uses an accelerometer to detect interruptions in a user’s breathing during sleep. It analyzes this data every 30 days and alerts users if they should seek medical advice. However, this feature requires approval from the FDA and other regulatory bodies to be classified as a medical device. Prior to this capability, Apple Watches already included comprehensive health tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, and activity level tracking.
Many users cite the health monitoring capabilities as their primary reason for purchasing an Apple Watch. One user, Ms. Li, shared her enthusiasm for the menstrual cycle tracking feature, especially its accuracy in predicting ovulation. This functionality allows her to anticipate her menstrual cycle and plan her life accordingly. She also noted that friends have successfully used the ovulation prediction feature to conceive easily. Conversely, it can also assist women in managing contraception. However, Ms. Li cautioned that while the watch is a helpful tool, it should not replace professional medical devices or advice.
Mr. Wang, on the other hand, purchased the watch specifically for his father to take advantage of its health features. He appreciates the fall detection and ECG functions. He explained that the ECG feature allows elderly users to conduct heart health checks at any time, which is beneficial for early detection of arrhythmias and other heart issues. The fall detection feature prompts the user with an inquiry about whether they need assistance after a fall. If there’s no response within a specific time frame, the watch automatically contacts emergency services and shares the user’s location, making it particularly useful for seniors living alone. Mr. Wang recalled an incident when he fell off his bike, and the watch immediately prompted him to call for help, providing him with peace of mind and he hopes the same functionality will aid his family.
Additionally, for individuals with chronic conditions such as type 1 diabetes, the Apple Watch can be a valuable asset. It can connect directly to FDA-approved glucose monitors like Dexcom, allowing users to monitor their glucose levels in real time right from their wrist. Nevertheless, Mr. Wang emphasizes that the Apple Watch is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and users should utilize these features under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
