Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has introduced ResearchKit, an open-source platform designed to collect real-time health data from consenting participants.

Presented in the company's "Spring Forward" event, ResearchKit is composed of apps that target some of the world's most debilitating medical conditions, including asthma, breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and Parkinson's disease, USA Today reported.

According to Apple, ResearchKit "makes it easy for researchers and developers to create apps that could revolutionize medical studies, potentially transforming medicine forever."

This is specially true, considering the fact that gathering population samples has always been one of the most grueling challenges in research.

Needless to say, researchers must also be prepared to lose a number of participants in the process, among other issues (inconsistent data collection, resources and time constraints, etc).

Apple has revealed working with doctors, hospitals and developers in the creation of ResearchKit's apps. Apparently, the company has felt that the iPhone can serve a greater purpose.

Jeff Williams, senior vice president of operations, expressed, "iOS apps already help millions of customers track and improve their health."

"With hundreds of millions of iPhones in use around the world, we saw an opportunity for Apple to have an even greater impact by empowering people to participate in and contribute to medical research," the rep went on.

So how do ResearchKit apps work? The core principle appears to be collection of data, but at the user's end, monitoring serves a vital role. Diagnoses are delivered better when complete patient history, physical assessment and other pertinent health / laboratory records are available.

Reuters cited Massachusetts General Hospital's "GlucoSuccess" app, which provides information on how diabetics' diet and exercise regimen affect their daily glucose readings. It also reminds users of medications and feet inspection.

Another app called "Share the Journey: Mind, Body and Wellness after Breast Cancer" helps survivors track post-treatment symptoms, the Los Angeles Times wrote.

Based on current guidelines, the "Asthma Health" app provides client education, self-monitoring and positive behavioral changes. It also reinforces adherence to recommended treatment plans.

The "Parkinson mPower" app, on the other hand, makes use of the iPhone's sensors. It detects inconsistency as users tap the screen in rhythm, TechCrunch described. On top of such feature, it also packs a memory game, speaking and walking activities.

Finally, the "MyHeart Counts" app curates risk factors and lifestyle in the evaluation of cardiovascular health.

The apps are now available for download, USA Today noted. As told by Apple, the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and the latest iPod touch support ResearchKit apps.

Get them at appstore.com/researchkit.