A rumor about the next-gen Apple Watch may have just gained some steam today.
Boy Genius Report has offered the following regarding a rumor that Apple is working on diabetes treatment technology for an upcoming future version of the Apple Watch:
According to our source, Apple’s sights are now set on the epidemic of diabetes, and the company plans to introduce a game-changing glucose monitoring feature in an upcoming Apple Watch… Our source indicates that Apple has hired 200 PhDs in the past year as part of the company’s laser lock on improving and innovating in the health space with Apple Watch.
The report mentions that Apple may incorporate “smart watch bands” to help facilitate the diabetes testing and treatment functions.
The report offered the following statement:
Apple also plans to introduce interchangeable “smart watch bands” that add various functionality to the Apple Watch without added complexity, and without increasing the price of the watch itself. This could also mean that the glucose monitoring feature will be implemented as part of a smart band, rather than being built into the watch hardware.
CNBC has also reported on this, going so far as to stay that Apple is currently “conducting feasibility trials at clinical sites across the Bay Area” as it prepared for the regulatory process required for such a medical device.
The report also stated that the next-gen Apple Watch used a method that shines light through the skin to measure glucose levels.
Apple has tried to make the Apple Watch’s bands that much more functional, incorporating additional sensors and other technologies not built into the device itself. Apple itself has filed patent applications for a band that integrates batteries to charge the watch and extend its battery life on the go.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.