Apple Watch hypertension tool cleared for release – and it’s coming soon

By Trevor Mogg Published September 11, 2025

What’s happened? Apple’s new hypertension detection tool for the new Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, as well as the older Series 10, Series 9, and Ultra 2 models, has been cleared for release by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Bloomberg reported on Thursday. It means that the tool will be available from next week in 150 countries and regions, including the U.S. and the European Union.

What does it mean? 

Okay, what’s next? The Apple Watch’s new hypertension feature will be delivered as part of WatchOS 26, which launches on Monday, September 15. Once you’ve installed it, you won’t have to do anything. Indeed, it’s one of those rare device features that you hope to never have to engage with. But if you do get an alert, it could save your life.