Apple has announced a slew of new health features in its latest software updates, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10. These updates bring innovative tools and experiences across platforms, focusing on mental health and vision health, while emphasizing privacy as a core principle.
Apple debuts new health features – Mindfulness app, Health app for iPad, and more
“Our goal is to empower people to take charge of their own health journey. With these innovative new features, we’re expanding the comprehensive range of health and wellness tools that we offer our users across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch,” said Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s vice president of Health. “Mental health and vision health are important, but often overlooked, and we’re excited to introduce features that offer valuable new insights to provide users with an even better understanding of their health. These insights help support users in their daily decisions and offer more informed conversations with their doctors.”
Here is a quick look at all the new health features Apple unveiled during the WWDC 2023 keynote.
New mental health features and Mindfulness app for Apple Watch
Recognizing the importance of mental health, Apple introduces new features that allow users to log their momentary emotions and daily moods. Through the Health app in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, as well as the Mindfulness app in watchOS 10, users can engage in an intuitive reflection process using engaging, multidimensional shapes.
These insights help users identify factors contributing to their state of mind and manage their overall health effectively. The Health app also offers accessible depression and anxiety assessments, providing users with risk evaluation, regional resources, and the ability to share results with their healthcare providers.
Vision health
Addressing the rising prevalence of myopia, Apple aims to promote healthy behaviors that can mitigate its risks. The Health app now allows users to track their time spent in daylight, a factor known to reduce myopia in children. Additionally, watchOS 10 introduces the Screen Distance feature, which uses the TrueDepth camera to remind users to maintain a healthy viewing distance, lowering the risk of digital eyestrain.
The Health app comes to iPad
The Health app, known for its central role in health and fitness tracking, expands its reach to iPad in iPadOS 17. Users can now manage medications, track cycles, log emotions, view health records, and more, all in one place. With a redesigned interface optimized for the large iPad display, users can gain valuable insights, set health goals, and multitask using iPadOS features like Split View.
Privacy
Apple prioritizes privacy in all its health features. Health and fitness data in the Health app is encrypted on-device when locked, and iCloud synchronization ensures data remains encrypted during transit and on Apple servers. With granular control over data sharing permissions, users have the power to review and manage their data at any time, ensuring confidentiality.
Additional features: Medication reminders, new Journal app, and Fitness+ enhancements
iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10 also bring several other updates to further enhance user experience. The Medications feature offers follow-up reminders and critical alerts for medication management. The new Journal app utilizes on-device machine learning to suggest moments for reflection, fostering gratitude and mindfulness. Apple Fitness+ introduces Custom Plans, Stacks for seamless workouts, and Audio Focus for personalized audio preferences.
In summary, Apple’s latest software updates prioritize users’ physical and mental health by offering innovative health features. The new mental health and vision health features provide valuable insights and encourage healthy behaviors.
With the Health app expanding to iPad, users gain comprehensive health management capabilities. Privacy remains a top priority, and additional updates enhance medication reminders, journaling, and Fitness+ experiences. Apple continues to empower users on their health journeys while safeguarding their privacy.
