Singapore: Apple recently unveiled an initiative to help researchers gather critical medical information from willing iPhone users. The program will use data from medical tracking apps to aid research on asthma, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

Mr Tim Cook, CEO, Apple said that the move will help in gathering real-time data from millions of users. He also added that in collaboration with large medical centers, the data will be used for Apple's new Research Kit platform.

The initiative "turns the iPhone into a diagnostic tool," said Mr Jeff Williams, Apple's senior vice president of operations, at a San Francisco media event.

Apple further mentioned that iPhone users can decide on their participation for the study. The data collected will help in advancing personalized care through the Research Kit platform and make consumers aware of their health and well-being.