The FDA has officially approved a new Apple Watch feature for hypertension detection, allowing millions of users to receive alerts about high blood pressure before symptoms appear. It is expected to be available in 150 countries around the world by September 2025.
The new algorithm uses the optical heart rate sensor of the Apple Watch to analyze the response of blood vessels to the heartbeat. The device works in the background, collecting data for 30 days and notifying the user if signs of hypertension are detected.
Apple recommends that after the notification, a seven-day blood pressure monitoring with a cuff and consult a doctor. The feature was developed based on data from more than 100,000 study participants and validated in a clinical trial involving 2,000 people. Although the innovation does not detect all cases of hypertension, the company predicts that in the first year, more than a million people will be able to learn about the risk and seek help in a timely manner thanks to this technology.
Apple has been actively promoting the Apple Watch as a medical gadget, adding heart monitoring, arrhythmia detection, and now hypertension. The expansion will take place on the Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3 models.
The hypertension feature will be part of a comprehensive update that also includes a sleep assessment system and expanded fitness capabilities. Apple describes it as a “unique fitness experience” that combines personalized motivation with Workout Buddy.
The FDA approval is a major breakthrough for Apple in the field of digital medicine. The Apple Watch is gradually becoming not only a fitness gadget, but also a preventive diagnostic tool that can save lives. The global implementation is expected to help users respond faster to health problems and adjust their lifestyle.
