In 2015, the Apple Watch was introduced as a fashion accessory. However, with its continuous updates and new features, it has transformed into a highly capable health and fitness tracker. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Apple Watch’s atrial fibrillation (AFib) history feature as a Medical Device Development Tool (MDDT), making it the first digital health technology to be approved for such use.
The AFib monitoring feature on the Apple Watch is designed for individuals who have been diagnosed with the condition and are 22 years or older. The non-invasive feature allows users to track the frequency of AFib signs over time. With watchOS 11 expected to bring more enhancements in June, Apple continues to add new health and fitness features through hardware sensors and software updates.
Although Apple has faced challenges in the past, such as disputes over blood oxygen tracking patents that temporarily affected sales of certain models in the US, this endorsement from the FDA adds credibility to the device as a reliable health tracker. As rumors circulate about upcoming Apple Watch models, including display and battery life upgrades and design changes, it will be interesting to see how these developments impact its future.
