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“Apple’s new and very high-profile entry into the wearable wellness game might make it the must-have status symbol of 2015, but cost and data security issues may create challenges for Apple Watch in benefits programs,” Employee Benefits News reports.

The long-anticipated Apple Watch, “which will use data gathered by its electronic heart rate monitor, accelerometer and both GPS and wi-fi to track users’ activity and daily exercise regimen” is expected next year. “How much of that data is collected and how it will be shared with wellness and health care providers remains a question.”

“A starting price of nearly $350, and the requirement that the watch be synced with an iPhone for full data functions, means that the tool may be a little too costly for wide deployment as part of employer wellness offerings.”

“Fitbit, Nike+ FuelBand, Jawbone UP and similar fitness trackers have all received a warm welcome in recent years, and each provides variations of different wellness tracking information. This year, it’s expected that about 42 million wearable wireless sports, fitness and wellness devices are expected to be shipped worldwide, according to research from technology market-intelligence company ABI Research.”