Apple Brings Health Features to Older Watch Models
▼ Summary
– Apple’s new health features, including hypertension notifications and live translation, will be available on Watch Series 9 and newer, plus Watch Ultra 2, via watchOS 26.
– Hypertension notifications analyze heart sensor data over 30 days to detect signs of high blood pressure and alert users.
– Apple expects FDA and other regulatory clearances for the hypertension feature this month, with a rollout in over 150 countries.
– The Sleep Score feature will expand to Watch Series 6 and later, all Watch Ultra models, and 2nd-gen SE and later, using multiple health metrics.
– These updates will be released on September 15th with the launch of watchOS 26.
Apple is extending its latest health monitoring capabilities to a broader range of Apple Watch models, ensuring that many users won’t need to purchase new hardware to benefit from advanced wellness tracking. With the upcoming release of watchOS 26, features like hypertension alerts, live translation, and the wrist flick gesture will become available on the Watch Series 9 and newer, as well as the previous-generation Watch Ultra 2.
The hypertension notification system leverages the optical heart sensor already built into these devices. It examines how blood vessels react to heartbeats, gathering data over a 30-day period. An algorithm then processes this information and alerts the wearer if it identifies potential signs of elevated blood pressure. Apple anticipates receiving clearance from the FDA and other international regulators within the month, with a rollout planned across more than 150 countries and regions.
Another significant addition is the expanded availability of the Sleep Score feature. Previously limited to newer models, it will now support the Watch Series 6 and later, all Watch Ultra versions, and the second-generation Watch SE and beyond. This tool evaluates sleep quality by analyzing heart rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen levels, and breathing patterns, provided it is used alongside an iPhone 11 or a more recent model.
All these enhancements are scheduled to go live on September 15th with the official launch of watchOS 26.
(Source: The Verge)
