Apple: Steve Jobs' Healthcare Prompted Apple Watch Development

[pika2000]

Here's the thing. Apple needs to tread carefully when developing a device that is related to healthcare as it can be defined as a medical device, and thus will have to go through FDA approval. That takes a much longer product cycle than let's say, an iPhone. Even if you have a device ready, you probably need additional time to get through the approval process before even reaching the market. And that is assuming the consumers are actually ready for whatever interconnected medical device. Oh, and then there's HIPPA, and all the privacy tinfoil hats (who for some reason have no problems with Patriot Act, PRISM and FBI, ironically).

So I see Apple's strategy:
1. Create a watch so consumers are getting used to the idea of wearables and interconnectivity with smart device. And no, not just for hipsters, but to get the lay people to get used to the idea itself
2. Strengthen encryption and security of iDevices, so in the event that Apple brought out a medical device, all the concerns about privacy have been taken care of technologically.

It will take time building this, and seeing that healthcare institutions and providers are not even completely digital ready and capable, I think we are talking about something 5+ years down the road, not next year or two.

 

[smirking]

I'm a former healthcare professional that transitioned into a tech career. Before I switched over into being a tech guy I explored the possibility of jumping into telemedicine, but decided against it because in the late 90's telemedicine had a history of false starts every few years. I'm very much a pure tech guy now, but I'm still fascinated by my old profession and keep my ears open for ways I might end up back in healthcare as a hybrid. The Apple Watch piqued my interest big time. I don't yet own an Apple Watch, but I plan to eventually get one if they can extend the battery life so that it becomes more viable for real health tracking.

 

[xtshabi]

I don't know about you guys, but ever since having the Apple Watch, I've exercised more, tracked my weights more, measured my caloric intake (through another app which logs onto Health), measured my blood pressure more and have made good gains in the gym.
Apple Watch paired with the Health app are a powerful combination for tracking your daily health.

 

[xtshabi]

I'm a former healthcare professional that transitioned into a tech career. Before I switched over into being a tech guy I explored the possibility of jumping into telemedicine, but decided against it because in the late 90's telemedicine had a history of false starts every few years. I'm very much a pure tech guy now, but I'm still fascinated by my old profession and keep my ears open for ways I might end up back in healthcare as a hybrid. The Apple Watch piqued my interest big time. I don't yet own an Apple Watch, but I plan to eventually get one if they can extend the battery life so that it becomes more viable for real health tracking.

Well, telemedicine seems like it's actually happening now, with Doctors on demand, health tap, etc.
The only thing Apple Watch is missing in terms of currently available measurements would be perhaps sleep tracking, which is not possible with one-day battery life.
What other measurements do you think might be useful?
Glucose readings in a way that's elegant and easy to use for Apple style rollout (which would have to be non-invasive) may not be possible for at least 10 years... I can't think of many more variables off the top of my head.

 

[xtshabi]

So Steve Jobs had a different vision for the Apple Watch? A health focused watch? That's way better than what it is now. It's only for fashion. What a waste of a good idea.

It's unclear what Jobs could've done differently in a first generation device with today's hardware limitations.

 

[IJ Reilly]

The problem has always been that FDA approval is a laborious, lengthy process, and even under Steve Jobs, Apple never had the patience nor deftness to navigate that process. Nor do its investors or customers, who expect innovations every year. The FDA simply doesn't approve medical devices that quickly, and Apple Watch doing health related things beyond what it does now would make a medical device subject to that level of regulation. And I'm sure other countries, and the EU, would have their own approval and testing processes before you can sell something like that abroad.

This isn't to say the FDA shouldn't be involved. Some entity needs to make sure we're not being sold snake oil. BUt if we want Apple Watch to be anything more than it already is on the healthcare or medical side of things, we're going to be in for long waits between iterations.

Which is why Apple released HealthKit and CareKit instead of making these devices themselves. Not that Apple doesn't have the wherewithal to navigate regulatory approval processes (think FCC currently and DOT soon if they are in fact designing a car), it's simply more efficient for them to allow medical device companies with that expertise in place to do it.

So, yes, Apple Watch is a stealth healthcare device. This was apparent from the start to those who aren't blinded by bling.

 

[Mac 128]

It's unclear what Jobs could've done differently in a first generation device with today's hardware limitations.

Well at least we know how Jony Ive convinced Steve Jobs to finally let him bring a watch product to market ...

 

[Jakexb]

Steve focused on the Health aspect of the Apple Watch, and what did Tim and Jony do? They promoted Apple Watch as a fashion device with only basic calories tracking, complete with a gold version.

That's only because the health stuff wasn't up to standards yet. The current Apple Watch even has an oxygen sensor in it but it's disabled because they weren't getting consistent enough readings. They've purchased a TON of health sensor startups. They have an entire fitness and health testing lab. They've had talks with the FDA about what they can and can't get away with without going through medical device approval. We know the "diagnostic port" is actually there for accessory straps.

 

[IJ Reilly]

That's only because the health stuff wasn't up to standards yet. The current Apple Watch even has an oxygen sensor in it but it's disabled because they weren't getting consistent enough readings. They've purchased a TON of health sensor startups. They have an entire fitness and health testing lab. They've had talks with the FDA about what they can and can't get away with without going through medical device approval. We know the "diagnostic port" is actually there for accessory straps.

We don't actually know why the blood oximeter is disabled in the current Apple Watch models.

 

[Bubba Satori]

Here comes the "fire Tim Cook" brigade. Seriously guys, if you hate Tim, Cue, Ive and Apple products there is better ways to spend your spare time than an Apple forum. Switch to Android and Windows and leave us be. You won't miss the stress and we'll get a break from constant negativity—we're all happy.

Nobody said anything until you did.
You got it off to a fine start.
Well played.
Persecuted much?
Is there a mental health app for that?

 

[Mascots]

We don't actually know why the blood oximeter is disabled in the current Apple Watch models.

I don't think that negates the general statement that the climate isn't quite here for more advanced technologies in  Watch packaging, yet.

It gets a lot of criticism for not doing x or y when relating to health functionality, but it sets a base pretty well. While the first iPhone couldn't even send or receive photo messages, which was behind what virtually any phone did at the time, the  Watch doesn't have such absences because the bar is set very very low for the overall market. While those things would be awesome, they're not missing in that sense, giving it a much better platform to build up from.

For those wanting more advanced health features, I'd just say give it time.

 

[IJ Reilly]

I don't think that negates the general statement that the climate isn't quite here for more advanced technologies in  Watch packaging, yet.

It gets a lot of criticism for not doing x or y when relating to health functionality, but it sets a base pretty well. While the first iPhone couldn't even send or receive photo messages, which was behind what virtually any phone did at the time, the  Watch doesn't have such absences because the bar is set very very low for the overall market. While those things would be awesome, they're not missing in that sense, giving it a much better platform to build up from.

For those wanting more advanced health features, I'd just say give it time.

Well right, agreed. I was not saying it negates that point only that we don't know why Apple elected not to implement that function for now. One of the holy grails of this tech is blood sugar measurement, but from what I've read accomplishing this without a subdural monitor is very difficult. I believe a company is already selling a detached blood sugar monitor for Apple Watch. One was announced some time ago anyway. Making Apple Watch a stable and extensible platform for third-party development is the key to it taking off as a medical monitoring device.

Also it's clear from the article that Apple's ambitions in this market might well be wider than just strap-on monitors.

 

[Rogifan]

So Steve Jobs had a different vision for the Apple Watch? A health focused watch? That's way better than what it is now. It's only for fashion. What a waste of a good idea.

According to Ive, Apple didn't start working on Watch until after Steve died. So I'm very skeptical with the idea that this was in development and the current leadership said 'screw the health aspect we're going to focus on fashion instead'. Besides fashion has nothing to do with health. It's not like the fashion aspect is preventing health related tech in the product. More likely tech that's not yet ready for prime time along with FDA approvals made Apple put the focus on something else right now.

 

[smacrumon]

To be fair, the original commenter mentioned constant criticism. The negation of constant criticism isn't no criticism at all.





If you really want your criticism to be constructive, you should provide it directly to Apple. Complaining on a forum will not make Apple the company you want it to be.

Fair enough, but criticism can also be placed here as well.

 

[dysamoria]

Nothing can make a person hate the "healthcare" industry more than taking a trip through it personally. Especially if you're the kind of person that likes to know what's going on, know what chemicals and treatments are (and their adverse effects), and be in control of your care and information. With the arrogance of many practitioners, the institutionalized belief in things that go without scientific validation, the indifference of the people managing your data, and the callous and arrogant decisions and behavior of the so-called "insurance" industry... It's a hell hole even without illness and injury.

I was given a diagnosis of osteoporosis to satisfy the insurance company BS one time because my doctor prescribed vitamin D for my deficiency. (I just turned 40; osteoporosis is insanely inappropriate as a diagnosis) I found out months later because I examined some paperwork i was asked to carry to the front desk.

That doctor was the second ridiculously conservative anti-sex idiot I had to suffer as a GP.

The system sucks. It's not about health or care.

 

[Dr.Chroma]

Interestingly enough, I did read previously Jobs last project was the Apple Watch. I can honestly say I feel privileged to own an Apple Watch, knowingly if this article is accurate, based on his last actual involvement with an Apple product.

 

[ColdShadow]

Who is we? Are you a Samsung employee?

that was a typo,he not we..

 

[macs4nw]

Here comes the "fire Tim Cook" brigade. Seriously guys, if you hate Tim, Cue, Ive and Apple products there is better ways to spend your spare time than an Apple forum. Switch to Android and Windows and leave us be. You won't miss the stress and we'll get a break from constant negativity—we're all happy.

Haven't you heard..... those unhappy will leave no stone unturned to bring others down to their level, or in three words..... misery loves company

 

[Schwyz]

Jobs died from the disease in 2011.

Correction:
Apple died from the disease in 2011.

 

[Zirel]

And here comes the "Switch to Android and Windows" brigade.
Constructive criticisms of Apple and its executive team are important.

Except it's not constructive and it's not even criticism, as most people complaining don't even know how Apple products behave, and didn't even read the article.

 

[DeepIn2U]

And that's the killer app for the Apple Watch, as originally envisioned, and of course, not yet deployed.

What Apple is building is a foundation for a gadget that will, one day, warn you when a heart attack is coming (among other things), saving thousands of lives. A must-have technology that will sell billions of pieces.

Why can this NOT already be done via Software?

Recall those late night TV Commercials featuring that AT&T connected necklace that would alert ambulance on a "paid" subcription for the ederly?

Solution is

HW: Apple Watch + Person

SW: iOS + WatchOS app
The app connects to sensors: monitors heartrate, blood pressure, and gyroscope for sudden changes not just in elevation but also in lateral movement (for FALLING).
This app then will immediately connect over WiFi+/Bluetooth to the iOS Phone/iPad/iPod Touch (soon I hope) or directly to the WiFi connection and then alert through the app's services immediately to local medicare or by user setup/input to their doctor/physician/care rep/place of monitoring and BOOM all are notified.
BONUS that the history up to 4hrs prior is monitored via data in the app and exported in case of a fall, heart attack, stroke etc.

THIS is what SHOULD have been shown at the last Apple presentation NOT just diabetes.
PS: My mom has battled diabetes for 18yrs+ and also suffered a stroke 7mths ago and 93% won mobility back! Tenacious bitch she is (and I used BITCH LOVINGLY cause she can be one if ya piss her off ... and I know Stroke was never going to escape that if I never did lol)

But hopefully some incredible app developer SEES my vision and goes further!