FDA's Speedy Apple Watch De Novos Raise Questions For Industry

Executive Summary

The recent US FDA de novo approvals for heart-rhythm analysis software on Apple's latest Apple Watch, which took about 30 days from submission to a decision that aligned with Apple's high-profile launch event, raised eyebrows in the medtech industry. Some in industry are concerned that the tech giant received preferential treatment over smaller companies, setting a bad precedent. But some say it could be a positive sign for the digital health industry at large.