Oura increased lobbying spending from $40,000 in 2024 to over $1 million in 2025 to advocate for a new 'digital health screener' category, bypassing strict FDA medical device approvals.12
This regulatory change would enable faster rollout of Apple Watch features like non-invasive glucose monitoring and blood pressure tracking.12
Oura CEO Tom Hale argues wearables should alert users to seek medical attention without full medical device classification; FDA has made some guideline updates.123
Critics like Whoop's VP Alex Vannoni urge caution due to risks of inaccurate health data leading to dangerous user decisions.12
Rep. Troy Balderson is supporting legislation for a more innovative environment for wearables.12
Users must be cautious about relying on data from potentially less-regulated devices to ensure safety.2
Sources:
1. https://nationaltoday.com/us/dc/washington/news/2026/02/09/oura-lobbies-for-looser-fda-regulations-benefiting-apple-watch
2. https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/09/ouras-fda-lobbying-benefits-apple-watch-if-everyones-smart-about-the-risks
3. https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-pulse/2026/02/09/oura-rings-woo-washington-00770810