Not too long ago, I was chatting with a few friends about health and fitness, and someone said, “I wish my Apple Watch could measure blood pressure.”
And honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
As someone who’s gotten used to wearing my Apple Watch every day, relying on it to remind me to move, track my workouts, and even monitor my heart rate, it would be super convenient if it could also keep an eye on my blood pressure.
But right now, if I want to check my BP, I still have to pull out the traditional monitor, which feels a bit old-school.
So, that’s what we’re diving into here: Can the Apple Watch actually measure blood pressure? If not, is there another way to make it happen? Let’s find out!
Can the Apple Watch Measure Blood Pressure Directly?
There were plenty of rumors flying around that the Apple Watch Series 10 would finally include blood pressure monitoring, and I was definitely excited to see if it was true.
After all, every time Apple introduces a new health feature, it feels like a step closer to having a full health assistant on your wrist.
But, as many of you might have noticed, the Series 10 came out, and… no blood pressure feature.
So, can the Apple Watch measure blood pressure directly?
Unfortunately, the answer is still no.
The main reason for this is that accurate blood pressure measurement usually requires a cuff to squeeze your arm, which is hard to replicate in a small, wrist-worn device.
That said, it’s not entirely impossible to keep track of your blood pressure using your Apple Watch.
There are a few workarounds, which we’ll get into in the next sections.
But for now, it’s clear that direct, on-the-spot blood pressure readings aren’t something the Apple Watch can handle just yet.
Maybe one day, but not today!
How to Monitor Blood Pressure with Apple Watch Using External Devices
Even though the Apple Watch doesn’t have a built-in feature to measure blood pressure, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
If you're someone who’s invested in tracking your health through your Apple Watch, you can still monitor your blood pressure by pairing it with external devices.
Here’s how it works:
1. Pairing with a Smart Blood Pressure Monitor
Although the Apple Watch can’t directly measure your blood pressure, there are smart blood pressure cuffs that can connect to your iPhone and Apple Health app.Devices like the QardioArm, Withings BPM Connect, and Omron Evolv are popular options. They work just like a standard BP monitor but with the added benefit of syncing data to your iPhone, where it’s integrated with your Apple Health metrics.
Once set up, you can use the cuff to take your blood pressure, and the readings will be automatically logged. This way, you can still keep track of your BP through the Apple Health app, even if the watch itself isn’t doing the measuring.
2. Using Third-Party Apps
Many smart BP monitors come with their own apps that can sync data to your iPhone and Apple Watch. Apps like Qardio, Health Mate (by Withings), and Heart Analyzer can help you track your readings, monitor changes over time, and set reminders to take regular measurements.
These apps integrate well with Apple Health, so if you’re already using your watch to monitor other health metrics, adding blood pressure to the mix can give you a more comprehensive view of your overall health.
The Future of Blood Pressure Monitoring on Apple Watch
There’s been a lot of buzz about Apple potentially adding blood pressure monitoring to future Apple Watch models. Rumors swirled that it might even come with the Series 10, but as we’ve seen, that didn’t happen.
The truth is, developing accurate, cuff-less blood pressure tracking is no small task. Apple seems to be taking its time to get it right, rather than rushing out a feature that might not meet their standards. While other brands like Samsung have taken a shot at this, Apple appears to be perfecting the technology behind the scenes.
So, while we don’t have it yet, I wouldn’t be surprised if blood pressure monitoring pops up in future updates. For now, using your Apple Watch with an external device is still the way to go.
Final Thoughts: Is the Apple Watch Right for Your Health Tracking Needs?
The Apple Watch is a fantastic tool for overall health and wellness tracking, with features like heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen measurements, and activity tracking. While it doesn’t have the capability to measure blood pressure directly yet, it’s still a valuable companion for keeping an eye on your general fitness and heart health.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile, reliable health tracker that goes beyond just telling the time, the Apple Watch is still one of the top choices out there.
And who knows? With all the innovations in wearable tech, a future version might just bring that much-anticipated blood pressure feature we’ve all been hoping for.
FAQs
Can the Apple Watch measure blood pressure on its own?
No, the Apple Watch cannot measure blood pressure on its own. While it has many health-tracking features, such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, and blood oxygen measurements, it does not have the necessary sensors to measure blood pressure independently. You would need to use an external device, like a compatible blood pressure monitor, to track your readings via the Apple Watch.
How accurate is blood pressure monitoring with external devices on Apple Watch?
The accuracy of blood pressure monitoring using external devices with the Apple Watch depends largely on the device itself. Most external monitors, like the Omron or QardioArm, are FDA-approved and designed to provide accurate readings. When synced with the Apple Watch, they can help you track and record your blood pressure reliably. However, always ensure you're using the device correctly, as improper use can lead to inaccurate readings.
