Apple’s new announcement disrupts the health tech space once again
As the tech market continues to buzz following Apple’s latest announcement of the new iPhone, iOS 18, AirPods and Apple Watch, we have our eyes on the new accessibility features, and health-focused technology integrations. There will no doubt be a significant impact for the healthcare industry as well.
Inclusivity and accessibility drive innovation, for the better
The launch of the iPhone 16, along with the integration of new Apple Intelligence, expands the user experience to new levels. While we all can agree that we love the excitement of larger screens and more powerful camera systems, it is very likely that the new accessibility features will have the greatest impact on our lives.
Whether it be AI-powered eye tracking for users with physical limitations, innovative new breathing disturbance metrics that provide sleep notifications, or a new all-in-one hearing assistance experience on the new AirPod Pros, Apple users will now have access to functionality that previously would have required multiple devices, wearables or platforms. Without even buying a new device, iPhone users will be able to control their phone with just their eyes. A pair of AirPods will function as FDA-approved hearing aids. A new Apple Watch will help detect sleep apnea – a condition estimated to impact more than 1 billion people worldwide.
But, what does this mean for providers, health tech and health IT companies? It’s another example that the industry disruption we are facing is real and we cannot hide from it. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook recently referenced the transformative power of innovation to enrich people’s lives. Inclusivity and accessibility are now at the forefront of pushing technology boundaries to create and deliver an unparalleled user experience.
More connections mean more data – but also more EHR challenges
And what does this mean for the ongoing struggle around interoperability? While the sleep apnea notifications are expected to receive marketing authorization from the FDA and other global health authorities, and Apple is touting the ability to export your user data for your provider, this does not mean that our EMRs or care managers have the capability to process this data–let alone make meaningful use of it yet.
Don’t rest on your laurels: Adapting to evolving customer expectations and market disruption
For healthcare companies and investors, this again reinforces that you cannot ever be content with the status quo. It also means that your customers will now likely have even greater demands and expectations than ever, especially for the transfer and security of their data. While on the surface this may not seem like I am saying anything new, quite the contrary. Whether it be monitoring technology or wearables, the market is being constantly revolutionized in ways we would not have thought possible a short time ago. What may feel like a unique position or product can quickly become outdated and irrelevant.
When I talk to potential clients, I often hear that there is nothing else like their product in the market. While that may be true, it also may only be true for only a very short time. Competition is coming and it is not as far in the rear-view mirror as it once was. You need to step on the pedal and accelerate before getting passed by. Sage is built for growth and we can help you stay ahead of the traffic and move away from competitor noise. Let us help.
Download our full research report, The New Healthcare C-Suite Agenda: 2024-2025, to learn more about top strategic considerations, where healthcare organizations are investing in technology to achieve those, current clinical and operational use cases for AI and where hospitals are exploring new ways to leverage AI, and more.
