Apple’s healthcare unit needs to see a doctor
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Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook said healthcare would be “Apple’s greatest contribution to mankind.” It appears that Apple is having problems with this unit after a number of members have left the team. Citing eight sources said to be familiar with the situation, CNBC says that there is tension in the company’s healthcare division and the group is essentially without direction after a series of changes at the top of the unit.
The report says that while some employees have done well, others feel stifled and closed in, unable to get the team to work on their ideas. Part of the problem is getting the unit to agree on a direction to take. Half of the eight sources say that employees wanted Apple to take on some of the larger problems that the healthcare system faces today such as medical devices, telemedicine, health payments and the treatments of chronic disease. Apple, notes the report, has instead focused on creating features for its devices that focus on wellness and prevention for healthy people. The latter end of the healthcare industry is considered to be less risky and less regulated. Despite the issues inside the group, all eight sources agreed that healthcare remains a “strategic priority” for the company.
Apple’s healthcare features are found mainly on the Apple Watch. The heart rate monitor has saved a number of lives, and the Series 4 model added an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor that looks for abnormal heartbeats. The latter has also been a lifesaver and other watches, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, also is equipped with an ECG feature. We do have to point out that it will remain disabled on the Galaxy Watch Active 2 until it receives FDA approval, expected sometime during the first half of next year. Apple’s Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams is in charge of the healthcare team, and reportedly it was his idea to add sensors and algorithms to the Apple Watch once it became apparent that the device would not be a big seller as a fashion accessory.
“We do have to point out that it will remain disabled on the Galaxy Watch Active 2 until it receives FDA approval, expected sometime during the first half of next year.”
The company is reportedly working on a way for diabetics to measure their blood glucose levels using the Apple Watch, without having to draw blood. Currently, diabetics who depend on insulin prick themselves to draw a small drop of blood that is tested on a glucometer. This is a huge market because a new test strip is required for each test and insulin-dependent diabetics need to test themselves three or more times a day. If Apple can develop such a technology, it could take Apple’s healthcare initiative and the Apple Watch into uncharted territory. The Apple Watch happens to be the world’s top-selling smartwatch and anchors a wearables unit that saw revenue for the fiscal third quarter soar from $3.73 billion in 2018 to $5.53 billion this year. That was a 48.3% year-over-year gain.
Earlier this year, Apple sent out a survey to check on the morale of employees in its healthcare unit. When the survey indicated that employees were not happy, Williams spoke with a number of employees to let them know that he was still committed to the business. But the executive also wears many hats at Apple and as COO he is responsible for overseeing Apple’s operations and its vast supply chain. Thus, the healthcare group might not have his full attention at times.
Some of the sources say that Apple needs to be less secretive with its work in the $3.5 trillion healthcare industry. The company is traditionally tight-lipped about its projects, but that doesn’t fly in the world of medicine where clinical studies and published research play a big role.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary disagreement within Apple's healthcare unit regarding its strategic direction?
What is the primary disagreement within Apple's healthcare unit regarding its strategic direction?
Half of the sources indicate employees want the unit to address larger healthcare system issues like medical devices and chronic disease treatment. However, Apple has focused on wellness features for healthy individuals, which is considered less risky and regulated.
Q.What is the role of Apple's COO, Jeff Williams, in the healthcare unit's current issues?
What is the role of Apple's COO, Jeff Williams, in the healthcare unit's current issues?
Jeff Williams is in charge of the healthcare team and committed to the business. However, as COO, he oversees many other areas, including Apple's operations and supply chain, meaning the healthcare group might not always receive his full attention.
Q.What significant new technology is Apple reportedly developing for the Apple Watch related to healthcare?
What significant new technology is Apple reportedly developing for the Apple Watch related to healthcare?
Apple is reportedly working on a method for diabetics to measure their blood glucose levels using the Apple Watch without needing to draw blood. This could be a substantial development for insulin-dependent diabetics.
Q.Why do some sources believe Apple's traditional secrecy is a problem for its healthcare initiatives?
Why do some sources believe Apple's traditional secrecy is a problem for its healthcare initiatives?
Sources suggest Apple's usual tight-lipped approach to projects is unsuitable for the medical world. In healthcare, clinical studies and published research are crucial for validation, which contrasts with the company's secretive nature.
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