Last Updated on August 28, 2023
Future Apple iPhones and smartwatches could have the ability to analyze respiratory health. Reportedly, the US tech giant has filed a patent application for a technology that uses guided breathing to check on a user’s respiratory system.
The feature will be useful to evaluate lung health and check on any airway obstruction. Such a technology could help users find out what could be the symptoms of Asthma and COPD among other health-related issues.
In its patent, Apple mentions that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma suffer from reduced airflow which makes it difficult to breathe.
The California company adds that Spirometry is currently a common breathing test for assessing lung health. However, the accuracy of it is impacted by how the person commits to the test protocol.
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Apple iPhones could analyze users’ respiratory health with optical sensors
To combat this, Apple is developing innovative ways to track respiratory health via iPhones and Apple Watches. Apple plans to use iPhones’ optical sensors to asses users’ chest movements during breathing. The algorithm will then study the motion and establish respiratory characteristics.
Likewise, the company plans to have users attach an Apple Watch to their chest to directly monitor their breathing. It will involve the users using an adhesive sticker to hold the device to the chest. If the plan materializes, Apple will bring more convenient methods of identifying respiratory trends. The illustrations below from Patently Apple help us see how this technology will work.
The company is no alien to its health assessment tech either. Through its wearables and phones, it has been extending its health monitoring capabilities on a consistent level. For instance, the Apple Watch can measure VO2 max and SpO2 (blood oxygen levels). Now, it could bring a sound alternative to Spirometers. Check out: Apple Watch Series 8 Launched in Nepal | Find Price & Specs
For now, there is no surety that Apple will bring such a tech to consumer lineups. However, there is a possibility of its implementation in future Apple devices as it perfectly aligns with its current line of products.
