apple Watch Gains FDA-cleared Hypertension Detection Feature Via Software Update – available on Series 9, ultra 2 & More
CUPERTINO, CA – September 13, 2025 - Apple today announced a significant expansion of its health capabilities with the rollout of a new Hypertension Notifications feature for the Apple Watch. Remarkably, the update isn’t exclusive to the latest models; its available to owners of the Apple Watch series 9, series 10, and Ultra 2. The feature, which analyzes heart data to detect potential signs of high blood pressure, has received FDA clearance, solidifying its status as a clinically validated tool.
The update delivers a powerful health monitoring capability without requiring users to purchase new hardware. Upon updating to the latest watchOS version, users will be presented with a setup process. The system first confirms the user has not already been diagnosed with hypertension. Once confirmed, the watch begins collecting data to establish a personal baseline, a process taking approximately 30 days. the longer the watch is worn, the more accurate the notifications become.
“This feature is meant for people who haven’t been diagnosed yet,” the setup process clarifies, emphasizing its preventative focus. Users will than be notified if the watch detects patterns possibly indicative of high blood pressure.
Apple’s decision to extend this functionality to existing devices, rather than reserving it for the upcoming Series 11 and Ultra 3, has been lauded as a commitment to supporting its current user base. Dr. sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple’s VP of Health, stated during the launch event that the new feature could potentially impact over a million people in its first year.
“That kind of impact wouldn’t be possible if it was limited to new hardware only,” Desai explained.
The Hypertension Notifications feature represents a shift towards software-driven innovation in the smartwatch market. While hardware improvements continue, Apple is demonstrating the potential of leveraging existing sensors and processing power to deliver increasingly refined health insights. The company notes that even users without hypertension can benefit from tracking long-term health trends and receiving feedback on lifestyle factors like activity levels and diet.
The FDA clearance, granted on September 13th, provides both users and medical professionals with increased confidence in the reliability of the feature. This validation positions the Apple Watch as a more credible tool for proactive health management.
