Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 to Feature Blood Pressure Alerts
Cupertino, Tuesday, 21 January 2025.
Apple plans to launch Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3 with blood pressure monitoring later this year, using photoplethysmography to alert users of elevated pressures rather than providing exact readings.
Breaking New Ground in Health Monitoring
The upcoming Apple Watch models aim to revolutionize personal health monitoring through innovative blood pressure tracking technology. According to recent reports, both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3 will utilize photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to detect elevated blood pressure levels [1]. Rather than providing specific systolic and diastolic readings, the devices will function as hypertension alert systems [1], addressing a critical health concern affecting nearly half of US adults - approximately 116 million Americans [3].
Technical Challenges and Solutions
Apple’s approach differs from traditional blood pressure measurement methods, which typically rely on inflatable cuffs [1]. The company’s solution focuses on tracking blood pressure changes and alerting users to concerning elevations [1]. This development comes as studies show PPG sensors, when combined with machine learning, can detect hypertension with 92.42% accuracy [1]. The technology will be enhanced by the integration of 5G connectivity in the Ultra 3 model, enabling improved data transmission and monitoring capabilities [4].
Market Impact and Healthcare Integration
The wearable technology market is experiencing significant growth, projected to reach US$ 885.65 billion by 2033 [7]. Apple’s entry into blood pressure monitoring could significantly impact this trajectory, especially given the company’s track record in health monitoring innovations [7]. Healthcare professionals acknowledge the value of such monitoring, with Dr. Mary Branch noting that ‘blood pressure is a good overall measure of health’ [2]. The technology could particularly benefit individuals managing hypertension, which the American Heart Association defines as readings over 130/80 mmHg [3].
Future Implications and Timeline
The new Apple Watch models are expected to debut in September 2025 [4], alongside other anticipated features like satellite connectivity for emergency messages [4]. This launch aligns with broader industry trends toward more sophisticated health monitoring capabilities in wearable devices [7]. While the technology represents a significant advancement in personal health monitoring, medical professionals still recommend traditional blood pressure monitoring methods for clinical accuracy [2][3], positioning Apple’s solution as a complementary tool for preventive health management.