News - Australia Approves Apple Watch Hypertension Alerts

In an exciting development for Apple Watch users, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia has granted approval for the smartwatch's hypertension notification feature. This marks a significant advancement as it allows Apple to legally activate blood pressure monitoring in Australia, a feature that could dramatically enhance health management by providing users with alerts on possible chronic high blood pressure. Though Apple has not publicly announced a rollout timeline for Australian users, it generally acts swiftly once approvals are obtained. The previously long approval processes for features such as ECG monitoring and sleep apnoea detection hint at a commonly slow pace, but the TGA seems to have expedited this particular feature, especially since it's already available in 150 countries, including key regions like Canada and New Zealand since September 2025. Users with Apple Watch series such as Series 9 and Ultra 2, powered by watchOS 26, will soon be able to access this feature once deployed. However, those using SE series models will miss out due to hardware constraints. Having this feature could be particularly useful for those already managing high blood pressure, as it provides continuous monitoring and daily alerts, potentially preventing serious health episodes like strokes or heart disease linked to hypertension. The innovation employs data from the optical heart sensor, analyzing it over time to detect consistent high blood pressure patterns. While this information is a boon, Apple Watch users are advised to confirm any notifications with a medical-grade blood pressure monitor due to possible inaccuracies in smartwatch readings. Nevertheless, this passive feature operates automatically, providing peace of mind without needed setup or intervention from the user. The Heart Research Institute highlights that more than 4 million Australians suffer from cardiovascular diseases, and constant monitoring can be crucial. Even if one hopes never to need these alerts, having them ensures an extra layer of safety. More insights on how Apple Watch monitors blood pressure can support informed user engagement with the technology.