Apple has launched its new health study, which aims to gather data from various Apple products such as iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. Unlike previous studies, this one focuses on discovering connections between different areas of health without a specific area of focus.
The study will analyze user data across multiple platforms and cover topics including physical and mental health. It’s being conducted in conjunction with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is expected to last around five years. Participants will provide their data and answer periodic survey questions about their at-home life and habits.
This study has the potential to uncover new relationships between different areas of health due to its vast scope and scale, unlike traditional clinical research studies that often have smaller sample sizes and more limited follow-up periods.
Apple’s history shows that its health research can lead to product features, such as the recent hearing test in AirPods. The company is working with a diverse range of data from users to accelerate discovery and progress. Principal investigator Calum MacRae hopes to find new insights into various aspects of health by leveraging this data.
The study’s broad scope could also help identify information gaps and inform the development of proactive features, such as detecting early changes in hearing that may reduce cognitive decline risk. While specific features are uncertain, Desai expects a few years before tangible results become available.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/610308/apple-health-study-wearables-iphone-apple-watch-airpods