We are used to seeing the European Union as a rule-making machine — constantly producing regulations that, let’s be honest, often make life more complicated. But every now and then, hidden in the legal fine print, a decision emerges that can truly change the landscape — especially when it comes out of the blue.

This time, the spotlight is on Apple, thanks to the Digital Markets Act. The EU has effectively told the tech giant: “No more walled gardens. Time to play nice with others.” Apple immediately protested, threatening appeals, but the direction is clear: closed ecosystems are under pressure.

This change, which may sound like a technicality, could be a turning point for digital health. Why? Because if things move forward, we may finally be able to connect the Apple Watch to Android smartphones. It sounds like a detail, but for millions of users it would be a quiet revolution.

Right now, the Apple Watch is the last truly “locked” device: other smartwatches, scales and sensors can sync with almost any phone — except this one. Anyone who has ever used an Apple Watch knows it is among the most advanced health-tracking tools available, but until now you have had to buy an iPhone to make it work. That double investment is a real barrier.

If this wall falls, the digital health market could change overnight: millions of people will be able to choose what is best for them, without being forced into a single brand’s ecosystem. What does this mean? More freedom, more competition, and much broader access to simple, reliable and well-tested remote health-monitoring tools.

Why the Apple Watch Ultra stands out

Here is a snapshot of what the Apple Watch Ultra can do:

• Wrist-based ECG (electrocardiogram)
• Continuous heart-rate monitoring with anomaly alerts
• Blood oxygen (SpO₂) measurement
• In-depth sleep analysis
• Automatic fall detection with emergency calls
• International SOS, even abroad
• Crash detection for car accidents
• Tracking for over 100 different workouts
• Night-time body-temperature monitoring (also useful for women’s health)
• Cycle and ovulation tracking
• Alerts for dangerous environmental noise
• Mental-health tools (breathing, mindfulness, emotion diary)
• Medication reminders and hydration tracking
• Depth and water-temperature sensor for diving

With this toolkit, telemedicine and continuous monitoring are literally at everyone’s fingertips — and if Apple opens up to Android, you will no longer need to change your phone to use some of the best health tools on the market.

Conclusion: a “boring” rule that could change digital health

What might look like a technical scuffle between Brussels and Cupertino could turn into a major win for everyday users: more choice, more digital health, and fewer hidden monopolies behind a bitten apple.

Sometimes even a “boring” regulation can open up new horizons. Let’s see what happens — this time, we might actually end up thanking the EU.

Sergio d’Arpa