As more people explore their options for family planning, the Apple Watch has gained popularity for its ovulation prediction features. With its latest Series 10 model, Apple continues to stand out in the smartwatch market, offering a larger, brighter, and thinner device packed with enhanced health monitoring capabilities. Many in the Chinese community are now using the Apple Watch as a “medical device,” particularly beneficial for seniors and women planning to conceive.
The new Series 10 introduces a sleep apnea monitoring feature that uses an accelerometer to detect interruptions in sleep breathing. It analyzes this data every 30 days to alert users about potential health consultations. However, for this feature to be considered a medical device, it will need approval from the FDA and other regulatory bodies. Prior to this, the Apple Watch already offered a comprehensive set of health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, ECG, and activity levels.
Many users cite the health monitoring capabilities as their primary reason for purchasing an Apple Watch. Ms. Li shared her enthusiasm for the menstrual cycle tracking function, particularly the accuracy of its ovulation predictions. She appreciates being able to anticipate the arrival of her period, allowing her to plan her life accordingly. Ms. Li mentioned that friends who used the ovulation prediction function for family planning found success relatively quickly, noting that it could also be beneficial for women seeking to avoid pregnancy. However, she advised that the watch should not be viewed as a medical device and that it should supplement, rather than replace, professional medical advice.
Mr. Wang purchased the watch specifically for his father due to its health functionalities. He is particularly fond of the fall detection and ECG features. The ECG function allows seniors to perform heart checks at any time, which can significantly aid in the early detection of irregular heart rhythms and other cardiac issues. The fall detection feature prompts users when it detects a fall, asking if they need assistance. If there is no response within a set period, the watch will automatically call emergency services and transmit the user’s location—ideal for seniors living alone. Mr. Wang recounted an incident where he fell while biking; his watch immediately alerted him to whether he needed an ambulance, providing him peace of mind and hope that it could similarly help his family.
Moreover, for individuals living with chronic conditions like Type 1 diabetes, the Apple Watch serves a vital purpose. It can connect directly to FDA-approved glucose sensors such as Dexcom, allowing users to monitor their glucose levels in real-time from their wrists. However, it’s important to remember that the Apple Watch does not replace professional medical advice, even though it offers a range of useful health features that should be used under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
