Hypertension alerts expand to older Apple Watch models

Apple expands hypertension notifications to older Apple Watch models via watchOS 26 RC ahead of full rollout.

Hypertension alerts are coming to these existing Apple Watch models

Apple unveiled the RC version of watchOS 26 after its Awe dropping event, highlighting hypertension notifications as a key feature for Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. The RC will roll out to all users on Monday, September 15, while Series 11 and Ultra 3 orders ship on September 19. Apple also confirms the feature will reach three older models as part of this update.

Hypertension alerts use data from the optical heart sensor and run in the background, reviewing information over 30 days to detect consistent signs of high blood pressure. The feature is intended for adults aged 22 and older who have no prior hypertension and are not pregnant. If signs are found, users receive notifications that aim to encourage lifestyle changes or medical care.

Expanding the feature to older watches shows Apple wants to keep users in the health ecosystem across devices. That approach increases reach but also raises questions about accuracy, user anxiety, and how much responsibility a wearable can shoulder in health advice.

Looked at as a trend, this move points to wearables becoming standard health companions rather than gadgets. It could boost engagement with health data, yet regulators and privacy advocates will watch how data is stored and used, and how clear the user guidance is when notifications arrive.

Highlights

The move underscores how daily devices are becoming guardians of personal health.