The New Apple Watch Shows the Money Big Tech Sees in Health

Apple Inc.’s new watch is the latest proof: Big Tech is trying to remake health care in its own image.

The device, introduced at a splashy launch event this week, can call for help after a fall. It can monitor heartbeats for dangerous conditions. It can do an electrocardiogram, a test that monitors for a common abnormal heart rhythm and is usually done by a doctor.

Photo illustration: Getty/731 Lexington

For the iPhone maker, it’s the boldest foray so far into personal health. Apple has already pushed the use of its mobile devices for health tracking and medical research, and recently added a ...