ResearchKit

ResearchKit is an open-source software development framework created by Apple that allows medical researchers to build iOS apps. It enables scientists to easily recruit participants and securely collect health data directly from their iPhone and iPad devices for clinical trials.

Apple designed ResearchKit so that users have absolute control over their data, deciding exactly which information is shared and with whom. All collected data is de-identified and never shared with third-party researchers without the user's explicit, informed consent.

While ResearchKit is specifically designed for scientists to gather medical data for large-scale clinical studies, CareKit is a related framework aimed at individuals. CareKit allows users to actively track and manage their own personal medical conditions, such as post-surgery recovery.

The framework can securely tap into the iPhone's advanced sensors to record data like accelerometer metrics for motor skills, voice analysis for vocal health, and even memory test results. It can also pull data from the Apple Health app to track metrics like heart rate.