FreeStyle LibreLink – SG

It is extremely disappointing that the Singapore FreeStyle LibreLink app cannot keep up with Apple’s iOS updates. This is not a social media or entertainment app. It is a medical application that people rely on every day to manage their health. Users should never have to hesitate before updating their iPhone because they are worried the app may stop working or become unsupported. Abbott is one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, yet the Singapore app consistently falls behind when new iOS versions are released. Year after year, users are left waiting for compatibility updates while other apps are already fully supported. This is simply not acceptable for a flagship medical product. The lack of timely iOS compatibility demonstrates poor software maintenance and planning. Apple provides developer beta releases months before the public launch, giving developers ample time to test and prepare their applications. There is no reasonable excuse for repeatedly being behind on iOS support. The FreeStyle Libre sensors are excellent, but the software experience significantly undermines the overall product. Abbott needs to treat the mobile app as a critical part of the medical device ecosystem, not as an afterthought. Patients deserve timely updates, clear communication, and day-one support for new iOS releases. Anything less falls well below the standard expected from a global healthcare leader.

Follow-up review….I received a call from Abbott on 28 Feb 24 and was assured of 2 replacement sensors after reviewing my feedback and confirming the sensor failure from the app’s event log. I was told that my feedback would be forwarded to the relevant dept for improvement. I received the replacement sensors on 01 Mar 24. I will change my rating from 1 star to 5 stars due to the quick customer recovery effort by Abbot. Thank you. ____________ I’m using iPhone 14 and have bought 3 Libre sensors so far. However, the app failed to read 2 out of the 3 sensors and I feel cheated for spending so much on them. I don’t think there is a proper assessment and refund process for such sensor failures. But I will not buy this brand again. Rubbish.

As a person with type 1 diabetes who needs to scan multiple times per day, this app is infuriating. It was fine a few years ago but for as long as I can remember now it has been incredibly and slow and often completely unresponsive. Far too often I get a notification that a glucose reading is unavailable and to "try again in 10 minutes". This can be very distressing. Generally though, I find myself bashing away at the scan button sometimes 20+ times before anything happens. Then it can take another 10 seconds or more to display the reading, and it doesn't always even do that! Abbott, please look into this and fix it. This is an important medical app and I have enough stress in my life without getting enraged by it on a daily basis.