Apple is working on ways to identify depression, cognitive decline, and even childhood autism using future iPhones, according to a new report.
According to people familiar with the topic and papers examined by The Wall Street Journal, Apple Inc is working on technologies to assist identify depression and cognitive decline, to expand the scope of its enormous health portfolio.
Sensor data such as mobility, activity, sleeping patterns, and more would be used by the technology, which would utilise algorithms to detect variations that could signal diseases such as depression. While the research is still in its early phases and may never reach the market, Apple "hopes it would provide the basis for unique features for its devices," according to the report.
Apple is reportedly working on an algorithm to detect childhood autism, in addition to tracking depression and cognitive decline.
Apple hasn't revealed the details of a third brain-related research collaboration with Duke University. According to the documents and persons acquainted with the project, it intends to develop an algorithm to help predict childhood autism. According to the documents, the study will use the iPhone's camera to watch how young toddlers focus, sway back and forth, and other factors.
This week, Apple released iOS 15 for all of its top iPhones, including the iPhone 13. It features new Health enhancements, like a new ‘Walking Steadiness’ measure to assist manage fall risk and a new feature to save COVID-19 vaccination records or test results directly in the health app, both of which were introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this year.