Apple Watch Series 11 gets FDA-cleared alert for 'silent killer' condition

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 1.3 billion adults live with hypertension worldwide. Many don't even know they have it. That's why Apple's latest announcement could change lives.

Apple Watch Series 11 now includes FDA-cleared hypertension notifications. Starting next week, the feature will roll out in more than 150 countries, including the U.S., EU, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. It will also come to Apple Watch Series 9 and later, plus Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, via watchOS 26.

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Apple Watch Series 11 now includes FDA-cleared hypertension notification. (Apple)

Apple Watch hypertension alerts explained

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it can strike without symptoms. Left unchecked, it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. By adding passive blood pressure monitoring, Apple Watch aims to help millions detect early warning signs.

Using its optical heart sensor, the watch reviews how your blood vessels respond to heartbeats over 30-day periods. If it detects consistent patterns of hypertension, you'll get a notification. Apple expects the feature could alert more than 1 million people with undiagnosed hypertension in its first year alone.

Apple Watch sends users a "Possible Hypertension" alert when heart data shows consistent signs of elevated blood pressure. Paired with the iPhone, users can log blood pressure and follow up with doctors. (Apple)

Clinical validation of Apple Watch hypertension feature

Apple built the new hypertension notification feature on a foundation of years of health research. Since the launch of Apple Watch, heart health tools like ECG, AFib History, and irregular rhythm notifications have helped users catch issues early. The hypertension notification now extends that mission by addressing one of the most common and dangerous silent conditions.

The feature works in the background during waking hours, analyzing photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, changes in blood volume under the skin, to detect patterns that suggest chronic high blood pressure. You do not need to calibrate the feature or take direct blood pressure readings with the watch. Instead, the device tracks signals over 30 days and sends a notification if consistent signs of hypertension appear.

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Study results confirm accuracy of hypertension alerts

Apple developed the algorithm using data from more than 100,000 study participants across diverse ages, races, body types, and health statuses. The company then validated its accuracy through a pivotal clinical study with over 2,000 participants, who wore Apple Watch alongside an at-home cuff to compare results.

The validation study showed the feature achieved a specificity rate above 92%, meaning it minimized false positives. Sensitivity rates were especially strong for Stage 2 hypertension, the more severe form of the condition, where the feature identified more than half of users at risk. That accuracy could help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease in those who may not otherwise know they have hypertension.

Importantly, the study confirmed that the feature performed consistently across age groups, genders, races, and skin tones, making it reliable for Apple's global user base. Apple also ran usability testing to fine-tune onboarding and notification language, so people understand the alerts and what actions to take next.

By passively monitoring and flagging possible signs of hypertension, Apple Watch helps fill a dangerous gap in diagnosis. Hypertension often goes unnoticed for years, but now, you can be alerted within just one month of wearing the watch. 

Apple CEO Tim Cook holds up the new Apple Watch Series 11 during a launch event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on Sept. 9, 2025. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg)

Expert cardiologist weighs in on Apple Watch hypertension alerts

Cardiologist and scientist Dr. Harlan Krumholz of Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital told CyberGuy,

"I’m glad to see Apple turning attention toward hypertension—the number one preventable cause of heart attack and stroke. Their approach automatically flags signals that suggest you may have high blood pressure and encourages you to check it out. That’s especially important because so many people remain undiagnosed. The feature also provides a way to archive blood pressures, so if people are measuring at home, they can bring that information to their doctor. This isn’t a one-stop solution, but it has the potential to help consumers take charge of their health and identify hypertension earlier. The caveat is that people shouldn’t rely on it exclusively—regular care remains essential."

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By using optical sensors, Apple Watch monitors blood volume changes under the skin to passively detect hypertension trends in the background. (Apple)

How to respond to Apple Watch hypertension alerts

If you receive a hypertension alert, Apple recommends:

• Log blood pressure daily for seven days with a third-party blood pressure cuff
• Share your results with your doctor at your next appointment.
• Follow American Heart Association guidelines for further evaluation.

Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are built for both fitness and health—now including FDA-cleared hypertension alerts for active users worldwide. (Apple)

How to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 26

The new hypertension notifications aren't limited to Apple Watch Series 11. If you own an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, you'll also get access once you update to watchOS 26.

Updating is simple:

• Keep your Apple Watch on its charger and connected to Wi-Fi.
• Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
• Tap General, then Software Update.
• Follow the on-screen steps to install watchOS 26.

After the update, you can enable hypertension notifications in the Health app, allowing your watch to start passively monitoring for signs of chronic high blood pressure.

The Apple Watch Series 11 features a sleek design and cutting-edge health tools, including passive blood pressure monitoring designed to detect hypertension early. (Apple)

Apple Watch Series 11 release date and preorder details

Apple Watch Series 11 is available for preorder starting today, with in-store availability beginning Friday, Sept. 19.  (Apple)

You can preorder Apple Watch Series 11 today, with in-store availability starting Friday, September 19. Prices start at $399.

The lineup includes:

Apple Watch Series 11: The flagship model comes in aluminum or titanium finishes, with FDA-cleared hypertension notifications and all the latest health and fitness tools. It's the best choice for most people who want the newest design and features.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Built for outdoor adventures, the Ultra 3 offers extra durability, a larger display, and longer battery life. It's designed for athletes, hikers, and anyone who needs a tougher smartwatch. It also comes with FDA-cleared hypertension notifications.

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Kurt's key takeaways

Apple Watch is stepping up in a big way. With hypertension notifications now cleared by the FDA, it's no longer just about tracking workouts or closing rings. It's about giving you a heads-up on one of the biggest silent health risks out there. For millions who rarely visit a doctor, this could be a life-saving tool. Hypertension often goes unnoticed, but now, your watch can help flag risks before they become emergencies. While Apple Watch isn't a substitute for medical care, it adds another safety net to your daily routine.

Would you trust your smartwatch to be the first to alert you to a serious health risk, such as hypertension? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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