iPhone users will soon be able to review long-term analyses of their health, receive automated alerts of changes to their loved one’s condition and share health data directly to their provider’s EHR system through the Apple Health app, the tech company revealed today at its annual WWDC event.
These health features will land alongside others designed to help users better understand the results of their health tests or records, as well as those providing new ways to measure iPhone owners’ gait and risk of a fall.
For the past few years, Apple has encouraged users to store their health and wellness information within the company’s Health app.
Later this year, a new “Trends” feature will display 20 different health metrics such as steps, resting heart rate, blood glucose and sleep longitudinally, the company said. It will also deliver optional automated alerts when there is a meaningful change in any of these metrics.
More quietly, the company announced in a release that the operating system update would add new options for storing immunization records and other test results inside of the health app.
This feature will allow patients to download and verify their health status via an online browser or QR code, regardless of whether their vaccine provider or other medical location supports Apple’s Health Records feature, the company said.
The tech company also outlined a pair of new health data sharing capabilities for individuals seeking professional care as well as those monitoring the health of dependents.
The first allows users to securely share their health and wellness records with a provider from inside the Apple Health app. The second data sharing feature will give caregivers a digital hub where they can review their family members’ health and wellness data or other dependents.
