At Apple's product launch Tuesday, CEO Tim Cook confirmed speculations that the company was adding more advanced health monitoring functions to its Apple Watch, reports CNBC.
Apple confirmed reports that the company had been working with researchers at Stanford (Calif.) University to equip the smartwatch with a heart rate sensor to detect abnormal heart beats, like arrhythmias. Stanford also confirmed the collaboration, which will be led by Mintu Turakhia, MD, and Marco Perez, MD, on its website.
Until now, Apple has branded its product under the wellness tool category, thereby avoiding oversight from the Food and Drug Administration. But now, it is working with federal regulators from the FDA in its study.
"We have provided guidance to Apple regarding the development of their research study," an FDA spokesperson told CNBC. "We encourage all medical device manufacturers to meet with the agency early in their research and development process."
In an interview with Fortune published Sept. 11, Mr. Cook expressed hope and excitement over the company's ability to positively change the world. He explained when the company first thought up its smartwatch, it focused on wellness and activity monitoring. Now, he believes Apple is doing things even more "profound," including continuous heart monitoring.
"If you look at it, medical health activity is the largest or second-largest component of the economy, depending on which country in the world you're dealing with ... There's a lot of stuff that I can't tell you about that we're working on, some of which it's clear there's a commercial business there," Mr. Cook told Fortune. "I do think it's a big area for Apple's future."
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