Research and Care
Investigator Support Program
What is the Investigator Support Program?
Apple created the Investigator Support Program to provide health researchers with the opportunity to receive Apple devices for use in research studies. Learn more about the Investigator Support Program.
Which Apple devices can I request through the Investigator Support Program?
The Investigator Support Program most commonly focuses on Apple Watch devices. Apple Vision Pro and AirPods Pro can now be requested through this program where available.
How many Apple devices can I request?
While there is no specific limit, Apple has a limited number of devices available for the program. In your application, please provide justification for the quantity requested. Apple will consider which models of the Apple products are suitable based on the features required for your research.
Which features are supported on each model of Apple Watch?
Not all features are available on all models or in all regions. You can learn more by comparing Apple Watch models and viewing watchOS feature availability by region.
Does the Investigator Support Program provide app development support?
There are a number of tools available to support iOS app development depending on your needs. If you have a developer, you may find that our open source developer frameworks, ResearchKit and CareKit, may streamline app creation.
For researchers without a developer, you can apply for Study App Template, a tool requiring minimal to no coding experience to help build an iOS data collection app to conduct digital health studies. Study App Template reduces the barriers of study app creation for researchers with limited or without developer support. Apply for Study App Template using the Investigator Support Program application form.
Where can I learn about how others are using Apple devices for research?
You can view the publications page to learn how others have used Apple Watch and Apple health features in their research.
How can my research/publication be featured on this website?
If you are interested in having your publication featured, please reach out to research_proposals@apple.com.
HealthKit
How do I access data from Apple Watch for my research?
Data collected by Apple Watch is available to your iOS study app using the HealthKit API. Study participants will have the opportunity to grant your app permission for each requested data type.
What data types are available from Apple Watch?
A complete list of HealthKit data types can be found on the HealthKit developer page.
Can study participants contribute data from multiple Apple Watches?
Yes. Participants can switch between multiple Apple Watch devices paired to an iPhone. However, only one Apple Watch can be used at any given time.
Can I access raw ECG data in HealthKit?
No. You cannot access raw ECG data through HealthKit. Please refer to the HealthKit developer pages for more details on ECG data.
Can I access real-time heartbeat data?
No. You cannot access real-time heartbeat data. Please refer to the HealthKit developer pages for more details on Heartbeat data.
How can I access more frequent Heart Rate data?
Higher frequency Heart Rate data is available within HealthKit for samples collected during Workouts and ECG sessions. Higher frequency samples are also available through the SensorKit API. However, this requires a entitlement from Apple. Learn more about SensorKit.
SensorKit
What is SensorKit?
The SensorKit framework makes additional data types available for research use through an entitlement. Participants must be using an iPhone running iOS 14+ and grant your app permission for each requested data type. You can apply for the entitlement through the SensorKit Research Proposal.
ResearchKit and CareKit
What is ResearchKit and CareKit?
ResearchKit and CareKit are open source developer frameworks that include commonly required modules for health research and care delivery applications. Example modules include a survey engine, visual consent flow, and tasks lists.
You can view the tutorial video to get started.
How much does it cost to use ResearchKit or CareKit?
There is no cost to use the ResearchKit or CareKit open source developer frameworks. Access license information on ResearchKit and CareKit.
How do I setup a ResearchKit and CareKit project?
Please visit How to set up a ResearchKit or CareKit project to get more information.
Can I access data directly from Apple Watch with ResearchKit and CareKit?
No. Data collected by Apple Watch is available through the HealthKit API. You will need to develop an iOS app for your research that allows participants in a research study to consent to sharing this data with you. A complete list of health and fitness data types can be found on the HealthKit developer page.
Where can I access a glossary of ResearchKit and CareKit terms?
The glossary is available on the resource page.
Study App Template
What is Study App Template?
Study App Template is a tool that researchers with minimal to no coding experience can use to build an iOS data collection app to conduct digital health studies. Study App Template reduces the barriers of study app creation for researchers with limited or without developer support.
You can apply for Study App Template using the Investigator Support Program application form.
Background Processing
What is Background Health Research Task?
Apps involved in health research studies can have time-consuming tasks essential for the study, and may need to complete processing the background. You can schedule these types of background tasks using BGHealthResearchTask. Note that access to Background Health Research Task is provided through an entitlement. You can request entitlement through the Investigator Support Program application.
Learn more about scheduling background runtime for your app here.
App Store
How can I get my app on the App Store?
You can learn how to submit your iOS app to the App Store on the iOS Developer Page. You can also find requirements for app design, app review submissions, and other guidelines on the App Store Developer Page.
Can I limit distribution or access to my app on the App Store?
You can release your app so it is unlisted on the App Store and only discoverable with a direct link. Read more about Unlisted App Distribution.
Device Management
Which devices support mobile device management (MDM)?
iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS 10 or later, and visionOS 1.1 or later have a built-in framework that supports mobile device management (MDM). MDM lets you securely and wirelessly configure devices by sending profiles and commands to the device, whether they’re owned by the user or your organization. Learn more about MDM here.
Apple Vision Pro
Where can I learn more about Apple Vision Pro?
You can view the guided tour and overview to better understand Apple Vision Pro's capabilities. Learn more about supported apps on Apple Vision Pro by referencing Tech Specs - Built-in Apps.
What is included with Apple Vision Pro if my application is approved?
If your Investigator Support Program application is approved, you can expect to receive Apple Vision Pro devices equipped with light seal kits and headbands that are fit for your study.
An email will be sent to the Principal Investigator (PI) with instructions including details on how to collect light seal measurement.
The optical inserts are not available through Investigator Support Program. You can view the ZEISS Optical Inserts instructions to learn how to order or replace your optical inserts.