Tim Cook recounts when Apple Watch saved his father’s life; ‘He was living alone’

Apple CEO Tim Cook has revealed how an alert on his father's Apple Watch helped save his father's life. Notably, users on social media have many times talked about how their Apple Watch literally helped save their life during a health emergency like accident or a heart attack.

Speaking on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, Cook answered a question on if he ever had a medical alert on his Apple Watch, saying, “I haven't, but my father, when he was alive, he fell in the house, and he was living alone… It notified emergency services, and they came out to the house. He [Cook’s father] didn't respond to the door and so they kicked the door down — and it was a good thing they did because he was not conscious at the time.”

Asked if his father was proud of him after the health emergency, Cook said, “No, he was focused on the door, to be honest…He was more upset, they kicked out my door!”

Other occasions when Apple Watch proved to be a life saving tool:

In multiple instances, the Apple Watch’s ability to detect irregular heart rhythms has been instrumental in averting potentially fatal outcomes. In Delhi, India, Sneha Sinha—a policy researcher—sought medical attention after the device’s ECG feature indicated the onset of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Despite initially ignoring her symptoms, Sinha’s decision to visit the hospital after persistent alerts led to a diagnosis and timely treatment.

Last year in New York City, a 49-year-old cyclist named Eric Zollinger survived a serious accident, thanks to the Apple Watch’s fall detection feature. Zollinger encountered a hidden pothole submerged in floodwater during his evening commute, leading to a jolting fall. Although he managed to continue his journey, he later collapsed at home due to blood loss from his injuries. The Apple Watch detected the fall and automatically called emergency services, ensuring Zollinger received timely medical attention. The incident highlighted the importance of wearable technology in responding to emergencies.