Apple Launches Study To See If Apple Watch Can Detect COVID-19

The Apple Watch is more than just a smartwatch, at least that’s the angle that Apple is going for. It comes with various health screen and measuring tools where Apple is hoping to turn the device into a one-stop-shop for various medical needs. We have seen in the past how Apple has commissioned studies for the smartwatch with regards to heart health.

Now it looks like Apple is launching yet another study in partnership with the University of Washington to see if the Apple Watch can detect COVID-19. Does this sound familiar? If it does, it is because prior to this, a separate and independent study by Mount Sinai researchers actually found that the Apple Watch can predict a COVID-19 diagnosis a week before a PCR nasal swab test is conducted.

However, Apple’s own study will either reinforce the previous study or disprove it, so we’ll have to wait for the results to find out. The study will involve participants having to wear the watch throughout the day and night and will take up to six months to conclude. Participants will be given an Apple Watch to help with the study, and Apple also notes that if participants get sick during the course of the study, they will be given free at-home nasal swabs to check for COVID-19.

While we hope that COVID-19 will eventually be a bad memory in the years to come, this study could still prove to be useful in the prediction of similar diseases.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Gadgets, Medical
Tags: Apple Watch, Coronavirus, covid-19, Health, Smartwatch, study, Wearable Tech