Apple has launched a new initiative, the Apple Health Study, which differs from previous research efforts in that it doesn't focus on a specific health condition. Instead, the study will analyzedata from iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods touncoverpotential connections betweendifferent aspects ofphysical and mental health.Beyond research, Apple has a history of incorporating research findings into its products, with a recent example being the hearing testing feature in AirPods, which grew out of Apple's hearing research.
According to Sumbul Desai, Apple's vice president of health, the company evaluates research findings to inform product development and only introduces features that are backed by strong scientific evidence. The Apple Health Study will be available through the Research app and will be conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Women's Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Participants will provide data and respond to periodic surveys on a variety ofhealth topics, including cardiovascular health, cognition, metabolism, mobility, respiratory function and sleep.The studyis initially scheduled for five years,butmay be extended.
Unlike traditional clinical studies, which often focuson asmall, predefined group over long periods of time,Apple’s approach leverages its vast user base to collect ongoing data on a large scale.The Apple Heart Study has already attracted 400,000 participants, far more than most clinical trials. This extensive data collection may help identify previously undetected health patterns, but the broad scope of the study makes it difficult to predict specific outcomes.
