Reproductive health tech is going through some growing pains.
But theres also been some troubling developments.
Importantly, its not limited to the Apple Watch.
Apple introduced its Cycle Tracking feature at WWDC 2019.Screenshot: Andrew Liszewski (Gizmodo)
Since itll be integrated into the Health app, every iPhone user will get the option.
First off, Apple deserves kudos for natively building period tracking into its phones.
And thats if you find an app you like right off the bat.
Ive tried no fewer than ten period tracking apps, and none has had everything Ive wanted.
You only need to take a look at thisforum of angry Samsung customersto see people really want this feature.
Google and other Android smartphone makers should take note.
Of course, the success of Apples approach would depend on the underlying science.
Theres a reason it took Fitbituntil 2018to introduce period tracking, and Garmin untiljust a few weeks ago.
Remember: Apple included a footnote about how its Cycles Tracking feature should not be used as a contraceptive.
Nope, nope, and nope.
The same goes for their algorithms.
But heres another reason why Apples cycle tracking could be a good thing.
If a user opts for iCloud backup, that data is encrypted in iCloud.
Plus, Apple is adamant its not selling data to third parties.
Its probably safe to say youre not likely to hear about a privacy breach from Apples Cycles Tracking.
After all, Apple has a history of putting privacy front and center of its many services.
For something as personal as your period, this is surprisingly not universally true.
As you might imagine, its a data goldmine that could potentially be misused in myriad ways.
Some free period apps make up the cost byselling the data they collect to third-parties.
Thats something you dont have to worry about from Apple.
Alone, Apple announcing a period tracking app wouldnt get me jazzed.
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