Today, ACT | The App Association released a statement from president Morgan Reed on the temporary pause of the Apple Watch import ban:
“The Apple Watch ecosystem thrives on collaboration between the Apple Watch and third-party developers. The pause in personal health device sales disrupts this collaborative ecosystem, affecting the seamless integration of health apps with the device’s features. Developers rely on a vibrant and active ecosystem to create innovative solutions that cater to diverse health and wellness needs, and the healthcare provider and patient communities require access to a connected health technology ecosystem to prevent disease and treat their illnesses.
“While the legal proceedings unfold, it is crucial to acknowledge the unintended consequences on the developer community as well as the countless providers and patients that directly benefit from being able to leverage patient-generated health data in a timely manner. These challenges highlight the interconnectedness of technology platforms, device manufacturers, and app developers in the pursuit of advancing health through digital innovation.”