Written by : Jayati Dubey
December 17, 2024
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has been developing the hypertension detection feature for years.
Apple is steadily transforming its devices into advanced health trackers, with the Apple Watch at the forefront of this innovation.
Following features like ECG, SpO2 monitoring, and heart rate tracking, the next leap in health technology is set to be hypertension detection, expected to debut in 2025 Apple Watch models.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has been developing the hypertension detection feature for years.
Initially planned for a 2024 release, the feature is now expected to launch with the 2025 Apple Watch lineup, further solidifying Apple’s commitment to integrating health monitoring capabilities into its devices.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently elevated, potentially leading to severe health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Traditional monitoring methods rely on inflatable cuffs to measure systolic and diastolic pressure. Apple’s approach will differ by offering a non-invasive, trend-based system.
Instead of providing precise blood pressure readings, the Apple Watch will analyze data and notify users when their blood pressure deviates from normal ranges.
“Rather than giving users a specific reading, the system will notify them if it believes they’re in a state of hypertension,” Gurman explains.
This feature is expected to work similarly to the Apple Watch’s Sleep Apnoea alerts, encouraging users to seek medical advice or confirm results with traditional cuff-based monitors.
Sensors at the base of the watch could detect subtle changes in blood chemistry or vascular trends, eliminating the need for bulky equipment while delivering actionable insights.
Hypertension detection aligns with Apple’s broader goal of introducing non-invasive health-tracking solutions.
The company is also working on a blood glucose monitoring feature that will analyze chemical changes using light sensors.
Like the hypertension tool, it will focus on trends rather than exact readings, providing users with early alerts for potential issues.
Beyond health features, the 2025 third-generation Apple Watch Ultra is expected to introduce standalone satellite messaging capabilities. Currently, satellite communication on Apple devices requires an iPhone. The new Ultra model will allow users to send emergency messages and make calls directly from the watch, offering greater independence in remote areas.
By adding hypertension detection and advancing satellite communication, Apple is not only broadening its device functionality but also enhancing its role in preventative healthcare and emergency communication.
Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.