Apple has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its highly anticipated Hypertension Notification feature, which is set to debut on its new smartwatches.
Designed to help users monitor potential signs of high blood pressure, the feature will now launch next week in over 150 countries and regions, including the United States.
The Hypertension Notification feature uses an optical sensor paired with machine learning to track blood pressure patterns over time. When signs of hypertension are detected, the Apple Watch will prompt users to seek a medical evaluation.
Supported Devices
Initially showcased during the launch of the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3, the feature will also be available on older devices. According to Apple, it will be supported on:
- Apple Watch Series 9 or later
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later
The functionality is coming as part of watchOS 26, making it accessible on a wider range of devices beyond just the latest hardware.
Delay Resolved
At the time of launch, Apple had been awaiting FDA clearance, leaving the feature marked with an asterisk (*). With approval now secured, the rollout aligns perfectly with the availability of its new smartwatch lineup.
By integrating hypertension alerts, Apple continues to expand its digital health technology. Given that high blood pressure is a significant global health risk, this feature could serve as a valuable preventative tool, encouraging early detection and timely medical intervention.
