Apple is reportedly working on a technology that will debut with the future generation of iPhones and will be capable of knowing when its owner is depressed. The iPhone would be able to diagnose depression and cognitive decline by looking at their owners as they use it, as per the Wall Street Journal.

The report cites people close to the matter as well as documents it had seen, which it said talks about studies that have been launched as a part of the plan. The future iPhone would be able to make use of the information it collects from its owner, and feed it into an algorithm that would allow them to potentially be diagnosed, the report suggested.

Diagnosing depression using data

The system would be capable of looking at people’s facial expressions, their speech patterns, how they sleep, walk, and much more, the Wall Street Journal noted. It might also be able to look at how quickly people type and what they say, the report suggested.

All of the analysis would happen on the device and the data will not be shared with Apple, keeping with the company’s commitment to the privacy of the users, the report suggested. The company already protects health records in a way it doesn’t with other types of data, keeping it secured on the device itself rather than uploading them to its servers.

The concept is still far from reality

The work will require several studies in co-operation with universities that could help it understand whether the technology is practical in real-life scenarios. While it’s still at a nascent stage, and might not debut in the next few generations of iPhones, the report suggests that the company is optimistic about the possible outcomes.

Besides, Apple seems to be working on a smartphone-driven VR and AR headset. The company could a slightly different approach. As per sources close to the development, Apple will take a mixed approach that will still require an iPhone to do the needful. The company is known for disrupting the trends and could do the same with its AR headset.