Apple will introduce a new hypertension notification feature for the Apple Watch Series 9 and later, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, starting next week with the release of watchOS 26. This feature has received clearance from the FDA, as confirmed by Apple spokesperson Zaina Khachadourian in a recent statement.
The hypertension notifications were announced in conjunction with the new Apple Watch SE3, Series 11, and Ultra 3. The feature utilizes data from the existing optical heart sensor in the watches to assess how users’ blood vessels respond to heartbeats. An algorithm processes this data over a 30-day period, alerting users if it identifies potential signs of high blood pressure.
As individuals increasingly seek to integrate health monitoring into their daily lives, the effectiveness and accuracy of such digital health features remain pertinent questions for consumers.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/776942/apple-watch-hypertension-feature-cleared-by-fda