Here’s Why New Siri + Health Features Work Only On The Latest Apple Watch Models – Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
Apple Introduces Siri Integration for Health App Data on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Inc. recently unveiled a new feature for its latest Apple Watch models, allowing users to access and log Health app data through Siri. The company emphasizes its commitment to user privacy and accessibility with this update.
The watchOS 10.2 update for Apple Watch users brings support for logging and accessing Health app data using Siri, but it is exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models.
Originally announced in September, Apple promised to roll out this feature by the end of the year. Deidre Caldbeck, Apple’s senior director of product marketing for Apple Watch and Health, stated in a CNET interview that the new feature aligns with Apple’s objective of making health information more accessible.
Despite the delay in introducing Siri to Health queries, Caldbeck highlighted the importance of upholding user privacy. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models are the first to process requests locally on the device with low latency, ensuring user data remains secure.
Katie Skinner, Apple’s senior manager for user privacy engineering, echoed Caldbeck’s sentiments, emphasizing the privacy-oriented design of the feature. The design adheres to Apple’s health product principles of data minimization, on-device processing, transparency, control, and security.
Currently, Siri can access over 20 Health app data types. The feature is available in English (United States) and Mandarin Chinese (China mainland), with more languages expected to be supported in the future, although no specific timeline has been provided.
The introduction of Siri integration for Health app data is a significant step in ensuring user privacy. By performing Siri requests on-device instead of connecting to an Apple server, Apple enhances user security and maintains control over health data.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 were unveiled in September and feature speed and performance enhancements. The new S9 SiP (System in Package) enables faster and more efficient performance.
Apple continues to prioritize user privacy and accessibility with its latest updates. By enabling Siri integration for Health app data, Apple aims to make health information more easily accessible while maintaining the highest level of privacy and security for its users.
(Image Credits – Shutterstock)
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