Apple Watch Series 8: Suppliers develop an infrared blood glucose sensor for next-generation smartwatches

Rumours have already started about the Watch Series 8, the expected name of Apple's next smartwatches. Earlier this year, an Apple supplier began testing a sensor that could measure someone's blood sugar and blood alcohol levels, on which DigiTimes has now elaborated.

According to the website, Ennostar and Taiwan Asia Semiconductor are developing an infrared sensor to read blood glucose levels. Specifically, the sensor uses wavelengths above 1,000 nm and works with a photodiode that can interpret blood glucose levels. Incidentally, the photodiode is capable of analysing pulse and blood oxygen data.

In principle, integrating non-invasive blood glucose sensors in smartwatches would be helpful for people with diabetes. However, we imagine that smartwatch manufacturers' usual caveats of not using their health features as medical replacements will apply.

Reputedly, the sensor will make its way to smartwatches as soon as 2022. Unfortunately, it is unclear if the sensor will be ready in time for when Apple starts mass-producing the Watch Series 8. The lack of new health features in this year's Watch Series 7 implies that Apple is keeping some in reserve for its successor, short of the full redesign that never appeared.

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