With just over a week until Sept. 9, which is when Apple is expected to unveil new products, Apple has reportedly informed developers that they are not allowed to sell any data collected by apps on the new HealthKit platform to advertisers.
Apple has released the stricter privacy rules ahead of the Sept. 9 event, when Apple is poised to announce the final version of the iOS 8 mobile operating system, the iPhone 6, and Apple's first entry into the wearable technology market.
Apple has previously announced in June that the company will be releasing a new standard app named "Health," which will be able to collect the user's personal data on heart rate, blood pressure, and exercise and diet statistics.
Developers that create apps to utilize the HealthKit are allowed to collect data from the platform, which may be a cause of concern from users regarding privacy on their personal data.
However, Apple's stricter rules clarify that the developers are not allowed to sell the collected data regarding their health to other parties that include advertisers, data resellers or information brokers. Developers may share the collected data, but only if the user agrees to do so and if the purpose is for medical research.
In addition, Apple states that developers are not allowed to access the HealthKit platform with apps that are not designed for health and fitness purposes, which should be clearly presented in the description of the apps.
HealthKit was unveiled by Apple at the WWDC this year. Similar to the HomeKit, which aims to centralize all the smart home functions within a household into a user's smartphone, the HealthKit aims to be the hub of all collected health-related data concerning the user.
Apple has formed partnerships with respected healthcare companies such as John Hopkins, the Cleveland Clinic and officials at Mount Sinai, along with electronic health records provider Allscripts.
This week, Apple has sent out invitations to media outlets regarding the Sept. 9 event. It is expected that Apple will be unveiling two models for the iPhone 6, a 4.7-inch model and a 5.5-inch model. Rumors also state that Apple will also be unveiling the much-anticipated iWatch, which will be one of the primary users of the HealthKit platform.
The event will be held at the Flint Center of Performing Arts in Cupertino, which holds significance in the company's history as where Apple's late co-founder Steve Jobs unveiled the first Mac computer 30 years ago.
