Health enhancement for millions of Apple Watch users now unmissable, as stated by Apple
Apple Introduces Hypertension Notifications on Apple Watch with watchOS 26
Apple has taken a significant step towards health monitoring with the introduction of Hypertension Notifications on the Apple Watch. This new feature, which is available worldwide on supported Apple Watch models without extra cost, was introduced with the release of watchOS 26.
The Hypertension Notifications use data from the optical heart sensor to analyze how blood vessels respond to each heartbeat. Over a 30-day period, the feature reviews this data and sends a notification if the pattern suggests hypertension. This early intervention can be life-changing for many, as over 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years have hypertension, with nearly half (46%) unaware of their condition.
The watchOS 26 update, which hit devices on 15 September, is available for Apple Watch Series 6 or later and SE 2 or later. The feature is also compatible with the Series 11, Ultra 3, Series 9, and Series 10 Apple Watches.
To enable the Hypertension Notifications feature, users need to update their iPhone to iOS 26 and their Apple Watch to watchOS 26. After updating, users can find the Hypertension Notifications in the Health app or the Watch app's Heart settings. They should follow the prompts and ensure health permissions are enabled.
It's important to note that Hypertension Notifications are not a replacement for a proper blood pressure monitoring cuff or a diagnosis. They are intended for individuals over 22 years old, who are not already diagnosed with hypertension, and who are not pregnant.
The Hypertension Notifications feature was scientifically validated, trained on data from over 100,000 people, and validated in a clinical study of over 2,000 participants. However, it needs weeks of data to be useful, so it's important to wear the watch consistently.
The availability of Hypertension Notifications can vary by country, and it is not currently available in Canada. As of 2025, the feature is live in over 150 regions (pending local approvals).
Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation. With the introduction of Hypertension Notifications, Apple aims to help users detect potential hypertension issues early and prompt them to book a GP appointment. This feature is considered a significant step forward in preventive health care.
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