Apple Launches Global Rollout of Hypertension Notifications for Apple Watch

Apple has begun the global rollout of its new hypertension notification feature for the Apple Watch, a significant health update arriving this month with the release of watchOS 26 and iOS 26. According to a report from MacRumors, this proactive health monitoring tool is set to become available in over 150 countries and regions worldwide.

The feature is already live for users in numerous locations following the watchOS 26 update, with reports confirming its availability in the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Poland, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong, among others. However, the rollout is staged, and it has not yet appeared in all markets, such as Canada. According to Apple's official support documents, the feature is still pending regulatory approval in some regions, including Mainland China.

While the hypertension notification function will debut on the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple is also extending this capability to older devices. Owners of the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be able to access the feature simply by updating their software to watchOS 26.

The feature operates by using the Apple Watch's optical heart rate sensor to analyze the vascular response to a user's heartbeat. It runs continuously in the background, passively collecting data over a 30-day cycle. If the algorithm detects persistent signs of elevated blood pressure during this period, it will send a notification to the user, encouraging them to seek further medical advice.

It is important to note that this feature is not intended for everyone. Apple specifies that it should not be used by individuals under the age of 22, those who have been previously diagnosed with hypertension, or pregnant individuals. The primary goal is to serve as an early warning system, prompting users to make lifestyle adjustments or consult a healthcare professional in a timely manner, thereby helping to mitigate the risk of more serious health complications.

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