Apple enhances older watches with new health-tracking features

In the United States, Apple announced plans to introduce several new health-tracking features with the impending release of watchOS 26 set for September 15, 2025. Among the features are new hypertension notifications, which will utilize data from the existing optical heart sensor found in recent Apple Watch models. This functionality aims to monitor how a user’s blood vessels respond to heartbeats, utilizing algorithms that analyze the collected data over a 30-day window to identify signs of high blood pressure. Additionally, the company is set to roll out a Sleep Score feature that evaluates the quality of a user’s sleep based on several health metrics, including heart rate and blood oxygen levels. This feature will become accessible to several prior models, notably the Watch Series 6 and newer. The updates signify Apple's commitment to enhancing its health offerings for a wider range of customers, pushing the company to seek necessary regulatory clearances in over 150 countries. These advancements follow a broader trend of increased emphasis on health features in wearable technology offerings, catering to consumers' growing interest in health monitoring and preventative care. Apple expects that these enhancements will validate its technology through FDA and other regulatory approvals, which is crucial for expanding the product's user base and solidifying trust in its health-related functionalities. With leading tech companies continually innovating, this move might also influence competitors to broaden their own health-tracking capabilities. Apple’s strategy may not only reflect its ambition in the health sector but also highlight the growing recognition of technological intervention in personal health management, reinforcing the importance of wearables in daily life.