The $119 Quest Diagnostics blood test panel now generates Apple's new healthy age score

Apple launches a new health app that uses algorithms to assess "physiological age"

On Wednesday, Apple launched a new redesigned "Health" app that can calculate and display a user's physical appearance age. Apple names this indicator the "Health Age." To improve the scoring system, Apple has partnered with Quest Diagnostics to allow users to update scores using blood test data, a service that costs $119. This update is released in preview with the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.

This move marks Apple's strong advancement in the field of diagnostics. In the past, such medical tests often required a doctor's prescription, but now they are gradually moving in a more convenient direction. A test covering more than 50 biomarkers supports the calculation of "healthy age."

Integrate scattered indicators to visually present health status with a single number

Apple's "healthy age" aims to integrate scattered health indicators into a single value that is easy to understand. The score combines maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), sleep data and blood biomarkers to determine whether a user's physiological status matches calendar age. The first two indicators can only be obtained through wearable device sensors, which is the key to Quest Diagnostics 'intervention; the third indicator cannot be obtained solely from the device on the wrist.

In the United States, users can order a detection panel containing more than 50 biomarkers for just $119. Apple calls it a way to obtain "data that can only be obtained through laboratory testing." The test results will be synchronized to the iPhone and compared with data read by the watch, accompanied by an explanation video from a clinical expert. For users who are not using a test kit, laboratory results can still be added by manual entry or syncing from existing medical records.

The new health app will be launched in English-speaking U.S. later this year, with versions in other languages to follow. This feature requires running iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 and relies on Apple Intelligence technology.

In addition, Apple has added a "Longevity" tab next to "Healthy Age," which evaluates sleep, exercise and heart health based on clinical guidelines, and provides exercise and flexibility assessments. In one demonstration, the iPhone camera tracked a user as he performed a maximum oxygen uptake test, while the coach guided the movements on the screen.

Apple's health strategy is accelerating as the company seeks to increase non-hardware revenue sources. According to previous financial reports, Apple achieved record service revenue in the April quarter, reaching US$30.98 billion.

Apple Watch Series 12 adds daily "readiness" rating feature

In addition to Healthy Age, Apple has added a daily Readiness feature to Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. This is a single score from 0 to 10 that analyzes recent activity, vital signs, and sleep scores to give one of four recommendations: "recover,""moderate,""ready," or "go all out."

This score fluctuates throughout the day as new data is received. For example, afternoon exercise or a drop in vital signs during the day may change the score. Apple said the scoring model was developed by an in-house team of exercise scientists and doctors and is based on its own Apple Heart and Movement Study. Apple got off to a late start in this area because rival wearables have provided such ratings for years.

Upgrade sensing systems to improve heart rate monitoring accuracy

These scores are based on Apple's new "Health Sensing System" introduced on Series 12 and Ultra 4. The optical and electrical sensors have been redesigned to record heart rate every five seconds during the day. Apple said heart rate variability (HRV) can be quantified up to once every five minutes, a 24-fold increase from before. Vitals in the Health app now not only has a night view, but also a daytime view to show heart rate variability as a signal of stress and recovery.

To verify the accuracy statement, Apple conducted a study of more than 1,000 participants from different demographic groups. The company said research showed its watches outperformed mainstream wearables in terms of heart rate accuracy.

Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple Vice President of Health and Fitness, said: "By combining Apple Watch's breakthrough sensing technology with Apple Intelligence in 'health' apps, we are able to turn complex biometric data into clear and easy-to-understand guidance for users."