Apple has only recently joined the generative AI conversation publicly, although not by deploying a chatbot like ChatGPT. Artificial intelligence has, in fact, been integral to Apple’s products for years, including the Apple Watch. Using AI-powered algorithms, the Apple Watch can analyse sensor data and provide insights into users’ health and fitness.
When you receive notifications on your Apple Watch, such as reminders to breathe, prompts to stand, or alerts about loud environments, these are driven by AI algorithms and machine learning processing sensor data. This just shows how the Apple Watch can provide valuable health insights and wellness tips throughout the day by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence.
Sensor Data and Machine Learning
The Apple Watch uses numerous sensors to collect health data. Apple then trains its machine learning and AI models using this data to enhance the user experience. AI encompasses various technologies, from basic algorithms to complex machine learning and even generative AI, which powers services like ChatGPT and Dall-E.
While there are many rumours about new generative AI features coming to the iPhone, fewer details are available about potential innovations in the rumoured Apple Watch X, which is set to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of the watch’s debut in 2014. In the meantime, you can explore these existing AI features to make the most of your Apple Watch.
Double Tap
Available on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, the Double Tap feature allows you to interact with your watch without touching the screen. By tapping your index finger and thumb together twice, you can answer or end calls, snooze alarms, and even take photos. This feature relies on the new S9 chip and machine learning to detect subtle movements and changes in blood flow. A similar gesture, known as Assistive Touch, has been available on the Apple Watch 4 and its subsequent models as an accessibility feature.
Native Sleep Tracking
The Apple Watch uses AI algorithms to monitor your movements and determine when you’re asleep. Throughout the night, it collects data on wrist movements and heart rate fluctuations, which are processed by on-device machine learning algorithms. These algorithms analyse patterns to distinguish between different sleep stages, such as REM, Core, and deep sleep, as well as wakefulness. AI plays a crucial role in interpreting these patterns and ensuring accurate sleep tracking.
Fall Detection
The Apple Watch’s artificial intelligence can detect when a wearer falls and suggest calling emergency services if needed. The device uses an accelerometer to measure velocity and a gyroscope to detect gravity. AI algorithms analyse these inputs to identify falls and trigger a warning on the watch face, asking if emergency services should be contacted.
Irregular Heartbeat Detection
AI is essential for the Apple Watch’s ability to monitor heart rhythms for irregularities, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), a leading cause of strokes. The Apple Watch Series 6 and later models use an electrical heart rate sensor to continuously analyse heart data. If the AI detects irregularities, it sends alerts, such as the Irregular Rhythm Notification Feature. This feature can monitor heart rhythms in the background and notify users if AFib is detected, helping individuals who might be unaware of their condition.
The Future of the Apple Watch
Apple continues to invest heavily in health and wellness, aiming to enhance the Apple Watch as a health tracker. With the advent of generative AI, future Apple Watches are expected to include more AI-powered health tools. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is also developing an AI-based health coaching program that uses smartwatch data to offer personalised health advice.