Apple continues to innovate in health technology with plans to monitor stress levels via a new accessory for the iPhone and Apple Watch. A recent patent reveals plans for biometric sensors in Apple Watch straps. Meanwhile, Eli Health’s Hornometer, a device that assesses hormone levels from saliva using an iPhone camera, promises immediate results for cortisol and progesterone. With FDA registration and high accuracy claims, the Hornometer will soon launch in the U.S. and Canada, aiming for broader release later this year.
Apple has been at the forefront of health technology development for several years, particularly with its iPhone and Apple Watch. Soon, a groundbreaking accessory will enable users to monitor their stress levels directly from their smartphones.
As health tracking gains prominence among smartphone and smartwatch brands, Apple has been proactive in enhancing its flagship devices, notably the iPhone and Apple Watch, with innovative features.
A recent patent application, submitted last November, revealed Apple’s intention to incorporate biometric sensors into the straps of upcoming Apple Watch models.
However, Apple, Google, and Samsung are not the only players in the health tech sector. Eli Health, an American company, has introduced the Hornometer, claiming to be “the first at-home technology that provides real-time health insights based on hormone levels found in saliva.”
Discover Hormone Monitoring with Your iPhone
The Hornometer is particularly intriguing as it utilizes your iPhone’s camera to assess hormone levels. The process is straightforward: first, you need to collect a saliva sample. Simply position the specialized tip in your mouth for around 30 seconds to one minute, then wait approximately twenty minutes for the device to analyze the sample.
Once the results are displayed on a small screen (similar to a pregnancy test), you can snap a picture of the results using your iPhone through a dedicated app. The app will then analyze the data and provide insights and tailored advice regarding stress management, sleep quality, athletic performance, or fertility.
Also read: With the Watch Series 10, Apple enhances sleep tracking capabilities to new heights.
Initial Focus on Cortisol and Progesterone
At this stage, the Hornometer concentrates on measuring two key hormones: cortisol and progesterone. Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, is crucial for managing blood pressure, blood sugar, metabolism, and sleep patterns. Prolonged imbalances in cortisol levels can lead to significant health concerns, including Cushing’s syndrome, unwanted weight fluctuations, and hypertension.
In contrast, progesterone is a vital reproductive hormone. Irregular levels can result in menstrual cycle disruptions, fertility challenges, or mood swings in women. The Hornometer’s advantage lies in its immediate results. Unlike traditional hormonal tests that require samples to be sent to a laboratory for analysis, users receive their findings promptly.
Lab-Quality Precision Promised by the Manufacturer
The real question is whether the Hornometer’s results will be sufficiently precise for individuals with diagnosed hormonal disorders to rely on it daily. Eli Health asserts that the device is FDA-registered and claims to deliver “laboratory-quality accuracy.” However, it’s important to note that this does not confirm the FDA’s endorsement or verification of Eli Health’s assertions. Nevertheless, the company reports that its tests for cortisol and progesterone show 97% and 94% concordance, respectively, with FDA laboratory tests.
Currently, the Hornometer is set to launch in beta in the United States and Canada, with broader availability anticipated later this year. Additionally, it is expected to make an appearance at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.