Apple is strengthening its commitment to women’s health with its new Series 8 Apple Watch, which will have integrated fertility features allowing users to track ovulation.
It is one of several new technology updates the company provided at its Far Out event, which was held at its headquarters in San Francisco on Wednesday.
The device has a new sensor that can track women’s body temperature at night — one of the most reliable ways to predict ovulation — by taking and storing a digital reading every five seconds.
Apple described the new feature as part of its stronger “commitment to women’s health”, which will encourage its customers to have more control and information over their bodies and reproductive health.
The basal body temperature tracking feature will allow Apple’s technology to offer a retrospective ovulation estimate using its readings. Watch wearers will then be sent automatic alerts predicting fertility windows and menstruation cycles, which can then be used to help with family planning.
And, the new sensor technology could also help alert users to other health concerns, as body temperature can be an indicator of several broader issues.
Apple stressed that privacy was “at the core” of its detailed fertility features, with users’ data only stored locally on devices — something that could be of concern to American users following the supreme court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade in June, paving the way for several US states to make abortion illegal.
Following the decision, several cycle tracking apps have strengthened their data privacy, as users become increasingly wary of sharing their personal health information.
Apple described data security and privacy as a "fundamental human right" during Wednesday’s event, and said users would retain control of their fertility data via default two-factor authentication, strong passcodes and end-to-end encryption for iCloud storage.
"Your health data is yours and yours alone," the company said.
The company says the new smartwatch is waterproof, dust-proof and crack-resistant. It has sleep tracking features and can monitor electrocardiography and blood oxygen levels.
It will also come with vehicle crash detection features, which connects users with emergency services if necessary.
The new watch will come with low power mode to offer about 36 hours of battery life on a full charge. It will be available in four colours, the company said.
It will start at $399 with GPS and $499 with cellular.
Consumers can start ordering today and it will be available from September 16.
Apple also launched its iPhone 14 series on Wednesday, which comes with satellite technology. Additionally, in the case of the iPhone 14 Pro, the new A16 bionic chip is included, which Apple claims is the fastest chip in a smartphone.
The series will include the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, as well as the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone Pro will come with a 6.1-inch screen, while the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max will have 6.7-inch displays.
Apple's new iPhone 14 — in pictures
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Available in a 6.1-inch display and a new, larger 6.7-inch size, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus feature impressive camera upgrades and groundbreaking new safety capabilities. Photo: Apple -
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus will be available in five colours: midnight, blue, starlight, purple, and (PRODUCT)RED. Photo: Apple -
Apple chief executive Tim Cook speaks at an Apple event on the campus of Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California. AP -
Apple Watch Ultra features a new, customisable action button in high-contrast international orange that gives users quick physical control over a range of functions. Photo: Apple -
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus offer industry-leading durability and amazing battery life, including the best battery life ever in an iPhone with iPhone 14 Plus. Photo: Apple -
Mr Cook arrives to speak at an Apple event in Cupertino. AP -
Visitors arrive at the Steve Jobs Theatre before the Far Out Apple event. Bloomberg -
Visitors arrive at Steve Jobs Theatre on the Apple campus. Bloomberg -
Members of the media await the arrival of Mr Cook in Cupertino. EPA -
Mr Cook presents the new iPhone 14 at the event. Reuters -
The new extra-small ear tip on the Apple AirPods Pro delivers a better fit to more customers. Photo: Apple -
The new AirPods Pro bring major upgrades to Transparency mode, Spatial Audio and convenience features while cancelling up to twice as much noise. Photo: Apple -
You can personalise the charging case with Memoji, Animoji and a curated list of stickers. Photo: Apple -
The new AirPods Pro. Photo: Apple -
Apple Watch Ultra, the most rugged and capable Apple Watch. Photo: Apple -
Three new bands — Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and Ocean Band — offer unique design features that provide a secure and comfortable fit. Photo: Apple -
The reimagined Lock Screen in iOS 16 offers a multilayered effect that sets subjects of photos in front of the time, along with newly designed widgets. Photo: Apple -
The Ultra Wide camera offers a new perspective for photos and video, and receives benefits from Photonic Engine — an enhanced image pipeline. Photo: Apple -
Crash Detection uses specialised components paired with Apple-designed algorithms to detect a severe car crash and automatically dial emergency services when a user is unconscious or unable to reach their iPhone. Photo: Apple -
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus contain a new 12MP Main camera, a new front TrueDepth camera and the Ultra Wide camera. Photo: Apple -
The iPhone 14 line-up includes Emergency SOS via satellite, enabling the user to contact emergency services when outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Photo: Apple
