Natural Cycles has recently received FDA clearance to use data from the Apple Watch for birth control. The information will come precisely from the smartwatch's temperature data.
FDA Gives Clearance to Natural Cycles to Use Apple Watch Temperature Data
According to The Verge, the FDA has cleared the Apple Watch for use with digital birth control app Natural Cycles. It could be applicable to Apple Watch Series 8, 9, Ultra, or Ultra 2.
Users of Natural Cycles can import temperature data from the mentioned Apple devices instead of manually taking their basal body temperature every morning. That ensures accuracy and consistency, which can result in better tracking.
The Apple Watch Is Still the Second FDA-Cleared Wearable Integration, with the First Being the Oura Ring
The Apple Watch is the second FDA-cleared wearable integration after clearance was given for Natural Cycles to utilize data from the Oura Ring. As highlighted on Statista, the Apple Watch held about 30% of the global smartwatch market in 2022.
In 2022, Apple introduced temperature sensors through the Series 8, and because of Apple's market share, the integration could be a big deal. The approach of Apple was different from others when it came to temperature sensing due to its use of two temperature sensors.
The Apple Watch Dual-Sensor Approach Allows for More Accurate Data to be Taken
One of the sensors can be found below the display, while the other is closer to the skin. The dual-sensor approach involves the first being used to take ambient temperature readings to eliminate bias from the environment.
It works as one sensor can take the temperature of the environment while the other takes the temperature of the person, with the data points from the external temperature being considered when giving internal temperature.
Natural Cycles App Requires Basal Body Temperature
The sensors were reportedly also what enabled Apple to come up with an advanced cycle tracking that included estimates of retrospective ovulation. So far, the Natural Cycles app still requires temperature data from people.
The type of temperature needed is the basal body temperature, and the app comes with a free subscription for those who don't have a compatible device. When the user's temperature data is uploaded, the algorithm then gives them their fertility status.
The App Received FDA Clearance as a Class II Medical Device
As of press time, the Natural Cycles app remains the only digital birth control app the FDA has cleared. The app also has a designation as a Class II medical device.
Another popular app, Clue, used for period tracking, also received clearance from the FDA as a contraceptive in 2021. However, the feature has since been paused.
It was reported that Natural Cycles first pursued "wearable birth control" in 2020 before it received clearance from the FDA in 2021 for this technology. Meanwhile, Samsung's Galaxy Watches are incompatible with Natural Cycles' birth control features.
