Apple Watch getting smart band, extra monitoring tech

All eyes are on Apple to see what they come up with for the 10th Anniversary iPhone. However, it seems like they have some updates in mind for their Apple Watch too.

Apple are said to be working on implementing a new glucose monitoring feature for their new wearables.

Not only that, it seems that they will be sporting new interchangeable smart bands too!

Those smart bands could well add new health monitoring functionality to the Apple Watch.

Whilst such things have been previously rumoured, word is that these could actually be coming soon.

Glucose monitoring Apple Watch

It has oft been rumoured that Apple is interested in glucose monitoring. Up until recently, Apple seemed only able to produce something that would do the trick through a separate device.

Last month a CNBC report suggested that Apple had a team of biomedical engineers working on sensors that could non-invasively monitor blood glucose.

Furthermore, it appeared that the sensors were far enough along that the company had started conducting feasibility trials.

According to BGR, Apple has hired more than 200 PhDs in the health field in the last year with the aim of “innovating in the health space” through a glucose monitoring feature that will be released in an “upcoming Apple Watch.”

Smart bands

Additionally, they say that Apple is working on interchangeable “smart watch bands” that would add “various functionality” to the Apple Watch.

This would be a ‘smart’ move as it would allow Apple to introduce new features without having to cram everything into the wearable. This would also give consumers the option of paying for these extra feature bands. My only concern would be if Apple was to change the band connectors every other year. Mind you, they have form for producing adapters – for a price 😉

Anyhow, could these mean that the glucose monitoring would be introduced through one of these smart bands, rather than added to the watch itself?

A smart watch band with such functionality makes some sense. Apple CEO, Tim Cook, has previously stated that Apple does not want to put the Apple Watch through the FDA approval process. This would more than likely be a requirement for the introduction of a glucose monitoring feature. Whereas a standalone band would allow Apple to get the approval it needs without impacting the main device.

Camera band

Another worthy mention is that a special Apple Watch band could add a camera to the watch.

This snappy addition could come by way of a battery band that boosts the Watch’s battery life.

Apple Watch band patents

Apple has previous for smart bands.

The Cupertino company has filed multiple patents covering modular smart bands that connect to the device through the Apple Watch diagnostic port.

Smart band release

As far as when we’re likely to see the Apple Watch smart bands could be soon, or otherwise.

BGR says the new features will be added to an “upcoming new version of the Apple Watch”. That is a statement that’s ripe for interpretation, if you ask me.

Does this mean the upcoming third-generation Apple Watch? Well, that particular little number should be dropping this Autumn.

If the current crop of rumours are true, that one is likely to be an ‘S’ style minor refresh.

I would expect something such as the glucose monitoring and smart bands to land next year. Let’s face it, there’s only Apple that really knows though.