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Apple has finally debuted its new smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. They bring various updates, ranging from 5G connectivity and improved battery life to sleep score and workout updates.
One of the features Apple chose to focus on was the brand-new Hypertension alerts. The Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3 are able to detect signs of chronic high blood pressure, which Apple said impacts over 1.3 billion adults globally.
Apple Watch Series 11, 42mm, at Amazon
The Apple Watch Series 11 brings various improvements, making it one of the best Apple Watches you can get. Starting September 19, the smartwatch is available for purchase at Amazon, though there are no discoutns right now.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers enhanced viewing angles and better battery life, plus a super-premium build. You can already get Apple's new high-class wearable at Amazon, but there are no price cuts right now.
To catch the condition, the smartwatch uses data from the same optical heart sensor that was present on previous Apple Watch models. That data is now analyzed through a new algorithm that passively assesses how blood vessels respond to the heartbeats over 30-day periods. If the algorithm detects patterns associated with hypertension, it alerts the users, so they can get a medical checkup.
Apple claims it used a mix of machine learning and the data from multiple studies with over 100,000 participants to train its algorithm. It then validated the performance of the feature with an additional study with over 2,000 participants.
While introducing the feature, Apple’s VP of health, Dr. Sumbul Ahmad Desai, explained that high blood pressure is often undetected. The reason is that often there are no obvious symptoms for it. That’s partially why Apple expects to alert over 1 million people with undiagnosed hypertension only within the first year after the feature becomes available. However, the company clarifies that the Hypertension notification feature will not detect all instances of high blood pressure.
Do you look for health features like hypertension alerts when you buy a smartwatch?
Yes, it is one of the most important things for me
80%
Yes, but only when I buy it for a family member
0%
Not really, but I like having them
10%
No, I don’t care about such features
10%
Hypertension notifications will be available this month on Apple Watch Series 9 and later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, with watchOS 26 installed. The feature will be available in more than 150 countries and regions, including the US and the EU. Apple said it expects clearance from the FDA and other regulators soon.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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