What’s Up With Apple Watch and Blood Pressure Monitoring?

Can Apple Watch monitor blood pressure?

The Apple Watch does not have a built-in feature to directly measure blood pressure. However, it can be paired with third-party blood pressure monitors, like the QardioArm or Withings BPM, which sync with the Apple Watch to record and track your blood pressure data via their respective apps.

There have been rumors about future Apple Watches potentially including this feature, but as of now, you need an external device for blood pressure monitoring.

Will future versions be able to monitor blood pressure?

Apple has been rumored to be working on integrating blood pressure monitoring into future Apple Watch models, potentially through non-invasive methods. However, this feature has not yet been officially confirmed. According to reports, Apple has faced technical challenges in accurately measuring blood pressure without the use of an external cuff, which is why it hasn't appeared in the current models.

If Apple manages to overcome these hurdles, it's possible that future Apple Watches will have built-in blood pressure monitoring, but there's no confirmed release date for this feature. Apple's ongoing focus on health technology suggests it's an area they are actively exploring.

Why are others (like Samsung) able to produce a watch that monitors blood pressure but not Apple?

Samsung has implemented blood pressure monitoring in its Galaxy Watch using a method called pulse wave analysis. This technology relies on sensors to track the pulse and uses algorithms to estimate blood pressure, though it still requires periodic calibration with a traditional cuff-based monitor to maintain accuracy. The feature is available in regions where it has received regulatory approval, as the accuracy of wrist-based blood pressure monitoring is still under scrutiny.

There are a few reasons why Apple has not yet released a similar feature:

1. Accuracy and Reliability: Apple tends to prioritize the accuracy and reliability of its health-related features. Wrist-based blood pressure monitoring, even in devices like the Galaxy Watch, requires regular recalibration with traditional monitors, and the accuracy can vary based on individual differences. Apple might be waiting until they can provide a solution that meets its stringent standards without the need for external calibration.
2. Regulatory Approvals: Health-related features in wearable devices must meet strict regulatory requirements in various countries (like FDA approval in the U.S.). Apple may still be refining its blood pressure technology to meet these requirements before releasing it to the public.
3. Technological Challenges: Blood pressure monitoring without a cuff is a highly complex challenge. Samsung's solution, while innovative, still has limitations. Apple may be working on a more advanced, non-invasive method that doesn’t require frequent recalibration, which could take longer to develop and perfect.

While Samsung has a working solution, it isn't flawless and has limitations. Apple may be waiting to ensure that any blood pressure monitoring feature it introduces is both highly accurate and user-friendly, without the need for additional devices or calibration steps.