September is always a special month for Apple users and lovers as their latest tech developments will be unveiled. In fact, people are already lining up in Apple stores in anticipation for the rumored iPhone 6. But there's one other device and app that are creating major buzz, especially in the health industry. These are HealthKit and iWatch.
As early as June 25, Apple has already mentioned about HealthKit, a potentially large database that shall be a standard iPhone app. In other words, it's already pre-installed and may not be deleted. Its main purpose is to unite metrics provided by other health apps and devices like Jawbone Up and Nike Plus. Health providers, such as Mayo Clinic are also building an app around the HealthKit. (Note that it's still possible to generate health data without a wearable if you own Apple devices with M7 processors.)
Wearables have become a multimillion-dollar industry. In 2013, it was worth more than $300 million with devices like Fitbit taking more of the profit pie. However, the data in these devices are segmented, and Apple wants to make them more centralized with HealthKit.
The HealthKit will appear as Health and will run along with the newest iOS update 8, which will be released also in September. The folder shall contain a wealth of health-related information that pertains to weight, sugar, and blood pressure management. They may also display data about medications and diagnostic results.
Users can create an "emergency access" profile, which shall contain all the needed emergency information in case something happens to you and you fall unconscious. The data can be seen by rescuers even when the phone is locked.
More importantly, HealthKit can transmit the information to health care providers and insurance companies. To increase privacy, app developers cannot store any pulled data to the iCloud and providers have limited use, including restrictions in advertising. The app will also not be used by other apps to diagnose or treat.
Along with the HealthKit, Apple will also release the iWatch, a wearable that contains over 6 different sensors and works obviously with the new Apple health dashboard.
The pending release of the HealthKit and the iWatch is making the health providers excited. They believe that with excellent brand recognition, Apple can reduce consumer indifference on health wearables and apps.
This isn't the first time, though, a tech giant wants to capitalize on the growing health IT. In 2008, Google created Google Health, which had a similar concept as the HealthKit. However, after only 3 years, it was formally scrapped.
