Under-skin detection technology: Apple’s big leap forward

According to a Bloomberg report, Apple has achieved a key breakthrough in non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology. Proposed as an integral feature of the Apple Watch, this proof-of-concept technology will help diabetics and others test their blood glucose levels without a conventional blood test.

For this purpose, #Apple is developing a silicon photonics chip which enables a laser to probe under the skin by virtue of optical absorption spectroscopy. Currently, the prototype device, sized like an #iPhone, can be attached to a person's arm. The earlier version was way bigger but now efforts are on to condense the device to fit it into a wearable.

• Apple’s Exploratory Design Group (XDG) is carrying out this project, the origins of which can be traced to the year 2010 when the Steve Jobs-led Apple acquired RareLight which was into non-invasive glucose measurement  
• For a significant time, Apple was doing the R&D through a startup called Avolante Health LLC before XDG was made the epicentre of action
• As and when Apple get the product ready, as also the necessary government approvals, this technology could prove a game changer in wearable healthcare devices, helping diabetics and health-conscious people keep track of their blood-sugar levels like never before

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