Global Scans · Wearables · Weekly Summary

• [New] A wearable biosensor developed by Washington State University researchers could improve wireless glucose monitoring for people with diabetes, making it more cost-effective, accurate, and less invasive than current models. WSU Insider
• [New] SINGAPOREAn artificial intelligence tool that can predict fracture risk in seconds and wearable sensors for fall risk assessment are among the solutions being developed under a new $37.9 million programme to help Singaporeans age more healthily with technology. ST
• [New] Within the next decade, wearable devices could provide continuous streams of personalized physiological data that previously required lab tests or clinical monitoring. Yahoo News
• Wearable deployments increasingly align with the Hype Cycle path for enterprise-grade endpoints and adjacent AI capabilities, guiding risk and value sequencing for CIOs (Gartner research). BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• Dive into the top wearable technology trends for 2026, exploring innovations that will enhance daily life and health. Tech Shopping Zone
• There will be over 1.5 billion connected wearable devices by 2026, making connectivity paramount. Tech Shopping Zone
• Leading Product Type: Cuff-based wearable blood pressure monitors are projected to represent the leading product type in 2026, accounting for 45% of the revenue share, driven by their clinically validated accuracy and widespread adoption in healthcare settings. Persistence Market Research
• By using wearable technology and remote monitoring, global pharmaceutical industry leaders will recruit more diverse patient populations, improving the efficacy and safety of new treatments. Global Healthcare Magazine
• The FDA is deregulating more wearables into an unregulated general wellness category, while HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to have every American wear a wearable within four years, potentially exposing vast amounts of health data to privacy risks. Yahoo News
• In 2026, earwear is expected to ship 382.40 million units (382,400 in 1,000 s), taking 39.33% of total wearable shipments. Bayelsa Watch
• An AI-assisted screening tool applied to wearable data successfully identified individuals at risk of left ventricular dysfunction 93% of the time. TopDoctor Magazine
• Samsung's entry, backed by Google's platform development and multiple manufacturer participation, could provide the catalyst that makes wearable AI feel inevitable rather than experimental. Next Reality
• Wearable payments are projected to gain traction, with adoption expected to rise from 15% to 20% of global consumers by 2026 as contactless use cases spread. Bayelsa Watch
• In healthcare-focused wearables, wearable medical devices alone are projected to reach USD 117.41 billion in 2026, indicating strong demand from clinical and remote-monitoring use cases. Bayelsa Watch
• In 2027, total wearable device shipments are projected at 644.5 million units, led by earwear at 404.0 million units (62.7%) and smartwatches at 205.3 million units (31.9%). Bayelsa Watch
• Wearable devices (like the Apple Watch, Fitbit, etc) are already extremely popular, with a projected 929 million of them in 2026 alone. Keebos
• The expansion of GLP-1 medications will have the greatest impact in 2026, followed by wearable technology and Food as Medicine. CNS Media
• By 2028, wearable adoption will reach critical mass. Emerline
• Apple advances AI hardware plans with smart glasses and wearable camera devices. MarketingProfs

Last updated: 20 April 2026