Apple Watch Powers Three New Health Studies Focusing on Asthma, Heart Failure, and Early Detection of COVID-19

During its “Time Flies” event today, Apple announced that it will launch three new health research studies to learn how Apple Watch health metrics can help control conditions that affect the heart and lungs.

First, to study how to better manage and control asthma using physiological cues from the Apple Watch, Apple said it is collaborating with lung experts from the University of California, Irvine and health insurance provider Anthem.

Second, Apple said it is partnering with the University Health Network and the University of Toronto in Canada to learn more about how Apple Watch metrics, including blood oxygen, can be used to monitor heart failure.

Third, Apple is partnering with researchers from the Seattle Flu Study and faculty at the University of Washington School of Medicine to explore how changes in blood oxygen and heart rate can be early signs of the onset of influenza and COVID-19.

In addition, Apple and the government of Singapore today announced a partnership in the LumiHealth health initiative, which will promote healthy lifestyle changes through technology. Launched in late October, the LumiHealth app will feature challenges designed to help users sleep better, move more, eat well, and live more mindfully.