Apple Expands Watch’s Hypertension Alerts to Seven More Countries, Boosting Global Health Monitoring

Apple Watch’s Hypertension Alerts Now Available in Seven More Countries

Apple has expanded its hypertension notification feature to Apple Watch users in Australia, Malaysia, Colombia, Indonesia, South Korea, Brazil, and Turkey. This enhancement allows users in these regions to receive alerts if signs of chronic high blood pressure are detected.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease, affecting approximately 1.4 billion adults globally. Often termed the silent killer, it frequently presents no symptoms, leading to undiagnosed cases. The Apple Watch’s hypertension detection feature aims to address this by passively monitoring users’ heart data over 30-day periods. Utilizing the device’s optical heart sensor, it analyzes how blood vessels respond to heartbeats. If consistent signs of hypertension are identified, the user receives a notification suggesting further monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider.

This feature is available on Apple Watch Series 9 and later, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later models, running watchOS 26. Users can set up hypertension alerts through the Health app on their paired iPhone.

Apple’s commitment to health innovation is evident in its continuous expansion of health features. In December 2025, the company introduced hypertension notifications in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. Additionally, hearing health functionalities were extended to Bahrain, Costa Rica, and Paraguay, while sleep apnea notifications became available in Colombia. These advancements underscore Apple’s dedication to providing users with tools to monitor and manage their health proactively.

The hypertension detection feature was developed using data from over 100,000 participants and validated in a clinical study involving more than 2,000 individuals. While it does not measure blood pressure directly or provide specific readings, it serves as an early warning system, prompting users to seek professional medical advice. Apple emphasizes that this feature is not intended for individuals under 22 years old, those previously diagnosed with hypertension, or during pregnancy.

With the addition of these seven countries, the hypertension notification feature is now available in 170 regions worldwide. Apple continues to work on expanding its health monitoring capabilities, aiming to provide users with comprehensive tools to manage their well-being.