Apple has filed a patent application for a system that uses guided breathing to analyze a user’s respiratory function. This system could be used to assess lung health and identify airway obstruction, which can be a symptom of conditions like COPD and asthma. Notably, current smartwatches like the Apple Watch can only monitor Sp02 and ECG readings.
The patent application notes that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or other airway-related conditions may experience reduced airflow when breathing. This can make them difficult to breathe.
For such conditions, Spirometry is a common breathing test that is used to assess lung function and potential airway obstruction. However, the accuracy and repeatability of spirometry measurements can be affected by how closely the person follows the test protocol.
In contrast, Apple is developing new ways to track respiratory health using the iPhone and Apple Watch. One method involves using the iPhone’s optical sensor to track chest movements during breathing. Algorithms would then interpret the motion to determine respiratory characteristics.
Another method involves attaching an Apple Watch to the chest area with a dedicated adhesive sticker. The watch would then be able to directly monitor breathing mechanics from this vantage point.
Currently, clinical respiratory assessments rely on specialized devices like spirometers. However, Apple’s patented technology could enable more convenient tracking and surfacing of respiratory trends.
Apple has been steadily expanding the health monitoring capabilities of its wearables and phones. For example, the Apple Watch already measures VO2 max and blood oxygen levels. More advanced respiratory analysis could further position Apple devices as vital health tools.
While there is no guarantee that Apple will ever implement this patented technology in a consumer product, the company has a history of exploring innovative health features through patents years before they debut. So this could be a similar case too.
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