Can my apple watch measure blood pressure

Chapter in this post:

• 1 The Apple Watch can do everything! Or?
• 2 Blood pressure measurement planned with the Apple Watch Series 10?
• 3 How does blood pressure measurement work technically?
• 4 This is why the Apple Watch can't measure blood pressure
• 5 alternatives with Apple Watch and wrist cuffs
• 6 Conclusion: Apple Watch is not a blood pressure monitor
• 7 Maybe also interesting?

We all know that the Apple Watch is a pretty snazzy gadget. It can do everything from monitoring our fitness to reminding us to get up and move. But one thing I keep getting asked is: Can the Apple Watch measure blood pressure?

The short answer: Even the Apple Watch Series 8 can't measure blood pressure yet.

The Apple Watch can do everything! Or?

I understand why people might think that. Finally, the Apple Watch has a heart rate sensor that can also be used to measure blood pressure. While it's true that the heart rate monitor can give you a good idea of ​​your overall health and fitness level, it won't give you accurate blood pressure readings.

Blood pressure measurement planned with the Apple Watch Series 10?

According to Bloomberg (), however, in 2024 (i.e. with the Series 10) you can expect an Apple Watch model that is able to extrapolate blood pressure via the pulse and the flow rate of the blood. Another approach can be seen via a patent filed by Apple (). This shows a liquid-filled sensor attached to the wristband, allowing it to press on the veins on the underside of the arm. Blood pressure could also be determined in this way. But as I said: So far, this is still a dream of the future.

You can take an ECG with the Apple Watch, but not measure blood pressure? You can find out why in this article (photo: Sir Apfelot).

How does blood pressure measurement work technically?

Blood pressure is measured by placing a cuff bracelet around the upper arm. There is a sensor on it that measures blood pressure through the artery in the upper arm. It is therefore important for the measurement that the artery is "squeezed", otherwise no accurate measurement can take place.

That's why the Apple Watch can't measure blood pressure

Measuring blood pressure isn't as easy as checking your heart rate. A blood pressure reading has two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). The only way to get an accurate reading of both values ​​is to put a cuff around your arm and squeeze it tight enough to temporarily stop blood flow in your arteries - as described above. Of course, the Apple Watch is not able to do this.

Alternatives with Apple Watch and wrist cuffs

If you want to use the comfort of the Apple Watch and the Apple Health database and still measure your blood pressure, you can buy blood pressure monitors that can be paired with the iPhone and which then also deliver the data to Apple Health. If you then have the blood pressure in Apple Health, you can also access and view the data via the Apple Watch.

The Withings blood pressure monitor connects to the Withings app on the iPhone and also collects data over time, which then ends up in Apple Health (Photo: Withings).

If you are interested in such an upper arm blood pressure monitor, you can take a look at this one:

• Withings BPM Connect
• Viatom arm fit
• Viatom Armfit Plus
• Braun ExactFit 5 Connect

Conclusion: Apple Watch is not a blood pressure monitor

There you have it: Unfortunately, you can't measure blood pressure with the Apple Watch. Even though it has a heart rate sensor, there are too many factors that affect blood pressure for the watch to give you accurate readings. Maybe one day there will be smartwatches that can do it all - but until then, we'll have to keep measuring our blood pressure the old-fashioned way.

Note: The statements in this article refer to all current Apple Watch models (Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and Series 8 as well as the Apple Watch Series SE).

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He appears as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with problems of a technical nature. In his free time he drives electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with his iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions for current bugs.

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