Singapore to award $280 to residents who use Apple Watch to stay healthy

PanARMENIAN.Net - Apple is working with the Singaporean government to help keep the city-state's people healthy using the Apple Watch.

At the company's virtual launch event on Tuesday, CEO Tim Cook briefly introduced Singapore's wellness initiative, which lets the island nation's nearly 6 million residents earn up to S$380 ($280) worth of rewards for engaging in healthy activities including meditation, yoga, and swimming, CNet reports.

"This fall, Singapore will become the first country to leverage the benefits of Apple Watch by offering incentives for people to use it to stay healthy and active," Cook said.

The two-year health program is built around the Apple Watch and an iPhone app called LumiHealth, which administers a personalized wellness program. Residents will need access to both in order to participate in the national health initiative, which begins in October. Taking part is voluntary.

As well as hitting fitness goals, the app encourages people to make better food choices, improve their sleep habits, and take part in public health activities such as getting immunized. It is possible that the app will encourage people to get a coronavirus vaccine once one becomes available.

In addition to its collaboration with the Singapore government, Apple also announced new iPads, the Apple Watch 6, and a Watch SE.