TGA Approves Apple Watch’s Hypertension Notification Feature
The much-anticipated feature for the Apple Watch Series 11 has finally received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia. According to a report by the Australian Computer Society, users can soon expect hypertension notifications on compatible Apple Watches, a feature that has been eagerly awaited.
Legal Enablement for Health Monitoring
This approval allows Apple to legally enable blood pressure monitoring on its popular smartwatch. Although the feature is not yet available in Australia, Apple typically acts swiftly to roll out Watch updates once local authorities give their nod for new health-tracking technologies. No specific date has been provided for when this feature will be accessible, but past experiences suggest that users won’t have to wait long.
A Quick Turnaround for a Major Health Feature
Interestingly, the TGA took over a year to approve features like ECG monitoring and sleep apnea detection in previous iterations. In contrast, the rapid approval of the hypertension notification feature signifies a more efficient regulatory process. However, Australia may be playing catch-up, as the feature debuted globally with the launch of the 2025 Watch models in September and is already operational in about 150 countries, including Canada and New Zealand.
Importance of Hypertension Monitoring
Interestingly, not just the latest models of the Apple Watch will have access to hypertension notifications. Models starting from the Series 9 and Ultra 2, or newer devices within those families, will also feature blood pressure monitoring, given that they come equipped with the necessary hardware. Users will, however, need to upgrade to the recently released watchOS 26 to utilize this functionality. Do note that the SE series models lack this capability due to hardware limitations.
(Image credit: Apple)
Potential Lifesaving Benefits
If you struggle with chronic high blood pressure, the continuous availability of this feature can be a game-changer. It means you can be notified of possible spikes in your blood pressure and take necessary action. Furthermore, the Apple Watch compiles a detailed health record using data from its optical heart sensor, reviewing fluctuations over a 30-day period to look for signs of chronic high blood pressure.
Hypertension is a significant health risk that can lead to severe issues like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Alarmingly, many individuals may be unaware that they are hypertensive, as the condition often lacks obvious symptoms. The Heart Research Institute (HRI) indicates that over four million Australians are affected by cardiovascular issues. Consequently, the ability to monitor blood pressure regularly could indeed save lives.
It’s crucial to note, however, that the readings from your Apple Watch may not always be accurate. If you receive a notification regarding high blood pressure, it’s advisable to confirm this with a medically approved blood pressure monitor.
Seamless Integration into Daily Life
Once Apple rolls out the hypertension notification feature, users won’t have to manually activate or configure it. The system works automatically and seamlessly in the background. While it’s preferable to never need it, knowing it’s there adds a layer of comfort and safety for users.
For more information on how the Apple Watch monitors blood pressure, check out this Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
