Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s Vice President of Health, is a driving force behind the company’s development of innovative health tools on its iPhone and Apple Watch. She has partnered with researchers from various universities to conduct groundbreaking health studies that inform the features available to millions of users.
One such study involved working alongside UCLA to conduct a three-year mental health study involving over 3,000 participants. The study aimed to better understand depression and anxiety by analyzing objective measures such as sleep patterns, physical activity, heart rate, and daily routines collected through Apple Watch and iPhone.
The study found that certain lifestyle factors, like late bedtimes and reduced physical activity, are linked to higher rates of depression. Additionally, participants who regularly reflected on their mood reported increased emotional awareness and improved well-being. This insight led to the development of a new feature called “State of Mind” on Apple’s Watches and iPhones that prompts users to consider factors influencing their mood.
Desai believes that empowering individuals with tools to better understand their health enables them to take proactive measures for their well-being. With millions of smartwatches sold globally, the impact of these features could be substantial. However, she remains focused on the individual impact of her work and hopes to empower users to seek help early and improve their overall health outcomes. By leveraging technology to promote mental well-being, Apple is setting a new standard in personal-tech devices and health care.