Apple's OS updates this fall will add pregnancy tracking to its devices. The updates got only a small mention during the AI-focused WWDC presentation earlier this month, but they could have big implications for those who need extra support during their pregnancies.
When users who update to iOS 18, watchOS 11, or iPadOS 18 this fall log a pregnancy in the Health app, they will see new information in the Cycle Tracking section on the Apple Watch, iPad, and iPhone. The data includes how far along the pregnancy is (gestational age) and alerts for high heart rate, which Apple says can occur more frequently during pregnancy.
(Credit: Apple)The app will prompt users to log common pregnancy symptoms, recommend they review any interactions with medications they have logged, and prompt them to take a monthly mental health assessment in an effort to get ahead of any potential depression during pregnancy and after birth. The iPhone will also measure walking steadiness and alert users of fall risk, particularly during the third trimester when risk increases.
The Health app will also recommend pregnant people turn off certain standard notifications, such as cardio fitness alerts, as cardio fitness often decreases during pregnancy.
The new features build on what Apple already offers in the Cycle Tracking section of the Health app, which Apple first introduced in 2019. Users can keep a record of their period dates and log symptoms. For those trying to get pregnant, the app predicts their fertile window and offers educational information on fertility and ovulation.
Pregnancy tracking is the next logical addition to the experience. Keep in mind that providing this sensitive data to a tech company comes with the risk that it could share that data with third parties. However, Apple says the data is encrypted, and users can control "which information is added to the Health app and how long that information is stored."