What You Need to Know About Apple’s Blood Sugar Monitoring Project
New Leadership: Tim Millet, a long-standing Apple executive known for his contributions to iPhone and Mac chip design, has been appointed as the head of Apple’s team developing a noninvasive blood sugar monitor. This move followed several months of leadership void after the loss of the group’s previous head, scientist Bill Athas.
The Exploratory Design Group (XDG): This is the team at the heart of the blood sugar monitor project. Following Athas’ death, leadership shifted, with the team briefly overseen by Athas’ deputies, who then reported directly to Apple’s senior VP of hardware technologies, Johny Srouji. Now, under Millet’s guidance, the glucose-tracking initiative will hopefully gain momentum.
Recent Apple Watch Updates: Apple recently announced enhanced Apple Watches with improved processors. Although there weren’t significant health feature additions, in the recent past, the company has integrated sensors for blood oxygen and body temperature measurements. Moreover, a blood pressure monitor is on the horizon, expected within the next couple of years. The ultimate goal for the glucose monitor is its integration into the Apple Watch.
Millet’s Key Role: Over the years, Millet has played a pivotal role in Apple’s shift from Intel Corp. (INTC) chips to its indigenous M1 and M2 processors. He has been at the forefront during product launches, shedding light on Apple’s advanced chip systems. His expertise aligns with the glucose monitor’s design, which utilizes advanced chip-based systems that incorporate AI to measure blood glucose levels through laser sensors.
Current Status of the Glucose Monitor: Apple commenced development on this blood sugar monitor around 2011. As of now, the tech has been condensed into an arm gadget approximately the size of an iPhone. The aspiration is to further minimize its dimensions so it can be seamlessly integrated into the Apple Watch. While it’s been verified internally, a consumer-ready version fitting inside an Apple Watch might still be a few years out.
