Apple's Quest for Noninvasive Glucose Monitoring Still "Years Away"

Apple's ambitious effort to develop noninvasive glucose monitoring technology for consumer devices remains a distant goal, according to recent reporting from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Despite 15 years of research and development, the technology is still "years away" from appearing in products like the Apple Watch.

A vibrant depiction of the Apple Health icon. Source: MacRumors

A Vision from the Jobs Era

The concept of noninvasive glucose monitoring at Apple dates back to the Steve Jobs era, with a specific vision: create an Apple Watch sensor capable of detecting prediabetes. This would allow users to take early preventative action through lifestyle changes before developing type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes, characterized by blood sugar levels higher than normal but not yet at diabetic levels, presents a critical intervention window where the right changes can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.

Beyond the Finger Prick

Apple's approach diverges from conventional glucose monitoring methods that require skin pricks. The company has been developing technology using optical absorption spectroscopy and lasers to measure glucose levels without breaking the skin. This includes the creation of a silicon photonic chip that can shine laser light beneath the skin to detect glucose concentrations.

While the project reached an important proof-of-concept stage in 2023 with a functional prototype, the current technology remains too large to fit inside an Apple Watch. The company reportedly has hundreds of engineers working on the project within its Exploratory Design Group (XDG).

Related Glucose Monitoring Health Initiatives

Bloomberg previously reported that Apple was testing a health-focused application aimed at diabetes prevention. According to Gurman's October report, this app could inform future blood sugar management products, though it might not necessarily become a consumer-facing product itself.

In related health technology developments, Apple is reportedly considering an AI-based health coaching feature that would provide personalized health recommendations and lifestyle improvement suggestions through a dedicated "coaching feature."

While the timeline for noninvasive glucose monitoring remains uncertain, these developments highlight Apple's continued commitment to expanding the health capabilities of its devices.

Source: MacRumors