Apple Watch Ultra 3 May Finally Get Blood Glucose Monitoring

According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple has achieved a breakthrough in non-invasive blood glucose monitoring and is planning to debut the feature in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, expected this September.

The technology reportedly uses a combination of optical sensors and short-wave infrared spectroscopy to measure glucose levels through the skin. Apple has been working on this for over a decade with its secretive "Exploratory Design Group."

If accurate, this would be transformative for the 37 million Americans with diabetes and the 96 million with prediabetes. Current continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) like Dexcom require a needle sensor inserted under the skin.

Important caveats:

• The feature may launch as a "trend indicator" rather than precise readings initially
• FDA clearance is still pending — Apple reportedly submitted in January 2026
• It may be exclusive to the Ultra model due to sensor size requirements

If Apple delivers on this, the Apple Watch Ultra line could become an essential health device, not just a premium smartwatch.