Apple has taken a new step in its digital health strategy by obtaining approval from the FDA (the US government agency responsible for regulating food and drugs) for a feature that allows Apple Watch users to receive alerts about possible hypertension. This innovation transforms the watch from a simple activity wearable into an ally for the prevention of one of the world’s most widespread “silent diseases.”

Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases, and it is estimated to affect 1.3 billion adults worldwide, many of whom remain undiagnosed. Early detection is key to reducing long-term complications, and this is where Apple’s innovation comes into play.

The new feature does not turn the watch into a traditional medical blood pressure monitor. Instead, it uses the optical sensor to analyze variations in blood vessel responses over a period of 30 days. If the detected patterns indicate the possibility of hypertension, the watch sends a notification to the user to take action. This functionality will be deployed in over 150 countries and regions and will be available on the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3 models.

This is not a definitive diagnosis but rather an alert signal. Apple recommends that, upon receiving a notification, users measure their blood pressure with a cuff-based device for seven days and share the data with a healthcare professional to confirm the findings. In this way, the feature acts as a first filter, encouraging users to take a proactive step in their health care.

Estimated Impact

Apple estimates that in its first year of use, this feature could alert over a million people who have undiagnosed hypertension. Detecting these cases before severe symptoms appear could have a significant impact on public health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and the associated treatment costs.

Advantages for Users

•  It allows for the detection of a problem that often shows no symptoms until advanced stages.
•  It is integrated into a device used daily, eliminating the need for additional equipment.
•  It promotes a culture of prevention and regular monitoring of cardiovascular health.

Limitations to Consider

• It may generate false alarms and anxiety in some users.
• It does not capture 100% of cases, so routine medical monitoring is still necessary.
• It requires user action: measuring blood pressure with a certified device and consulting a professional.

Looking to the Future

This FDA approval is a milestone for Apple and the wearable market. It marks the transition of smartwatches toward proactive health tools, with functions increasingly close to medical monitoring. Moreover, it could drive new integrations with healthcare systems, prevention programs, and the development of even more precise and clinically validated sensors.

If its effectiveness is confirmed, this type of technology could change the way millions of people manage their health: shifting from reacting to symptoms to anticipating problems before they worsen.