Apple enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next iteration of the Apple Watch may have an added incentive to hold off on their purchase until this fall, as rumors suggest that the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 will introduce a new blood pressure monitoring feature. Set to be unveiled in September, the Series 10 is expected to incorporate this highly anticipated functionality, providing users with insights into their blood pressure trends throughout the day.
However, potential users should temper their expectations, as reports indicate that the blood pressure checker on the Apple Watch Series 10 will not offer real-time readings on demand. Instead, it will offer users an overview of their blood pressure trends over time. According to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the functionality of the blood pressure checker may not meet the exacting standards some users anticipate.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the hardware sensor on the 10th-generation Apple Watch may not provide precise readings comparable to some competitors in the market. For instance, devices like the FDA-approved Omron HeartGuide boast the ability to deliver accurate blood pressure readings. Additionally, the introduction of a new sensor with the Series 10 means that this feature will not be backward-compatible with earlier Apple Watch models.
Competitors in the wearable market, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, also offer blood pressure tracking capabilities. However, this functionality requires calibration with a physical blood pressure cuff and subsequent recalibration every four weeks thereafter, adding complexity to the monitoring process.
Apple has long been at the forefront of innovation in health-related features for its wearable devices. Alongside the rumored blood pressure checker, the company has been working on developing a skin sensor for blood glucose monitoring, aimed at enhancing the health-tracking capabilities of the Apple Watch.
While the precise timeline for the integration of blood sugar monitoring remains uncertain, the introduction of the blood pressure monitoring feature appears imminent with the Series 10 launch. Such advancements in health tracking would offer significant benefits to millions of users, facilitating easier monitoring of prevalent health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
In addition to health-related enhancements, rumors surrounding the Apple Watch Series 10 suggest several other notable improvements. Reports indicate that the device may feature a thinner profile compared to previous models, incorporate a microLED display for enhanced visuals, and introduce changes to how bands attach to the watch, potentially enhancing user experience and customization options.