Top 3 Key Points:
- Apple Watch’s blood pressure feature was delayed due to Series 10 design complications.
- The feature was initially expected with Series 10 but encountered issues during testing.
- Apple may enhance accuracy using AI models to improve blood pressure readings.
Apple has postponed the release of its highly anticipated blood pressure monitoring feature for the Apple Watch due to challenges introduced with the new Series 10 design, according to reports.
Series 10 Design Delays Feature Launch
The delay in the blood pressure monitoring feature stems from complications Apple encountered while testing the feature on the Series 10’s updated design. Though no specific technical details were provided, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman highlighted these challenges in his newsletter, confirming that Apple is still working on the feature. Originally, the feature was rumored to launch as early as the Series 7 model, but testing issues have continued to push the release date.
How Apple Plans to Measure Blood Pressure
Traditional blood pressure monitoring involves using a pressure cuff that inflates to stop blood flow through an artery, then gradually deflates to measure systolic and diastolic pressure. Apple’s approach, however, relies on wrist-based technology. Using the existing heart rate sensor, the Apple Watch would estimate blood pressure by analyzing the pulse wave and detecting changes in the arterial wall’s stiffness.
Other devices, such as the Huawei Watch D, already use similar technology but often suffer from poor accuracy, requiring calibration against professional medical equipment. Apple aims to improve on this by ensuring greater accuracy and may use AI algorithms to refine the blood pressure measurements before releasing the feature.
Challenges with Wrist-Based Monitors
One reason for Apple’s caution is the known accuracy issues with wrist-based blood pressure monitors. For accurate readings, the device must be positioned precisely over the radial artery, at heart level, with the wrist kept still. Even minor movements or incorrect positioning can lead to inaccurate readings.
To ensure its technology meets high accuracy standards, Apple will likely continue testing and refining the feature before it becomes available in a future watch series.
By leveraging AI and possibly new hardware designs, Apple hopes to overcome the hurdles seen in the Series 10, bringing more reliable blood pressure monitoring to its users shortly.
