watchOS 26 introduced a new hypertension detection feature not only for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11, but also for some older Apple Watch models. Here’s how to configure it and which models are compatible.
Compatibility requirements for Apple Watch Hypertension Alerts
Hypertension notifications are available in watchOS 26 for the following Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Apple Watch Ultra2
To enable the feature, you’ll also need an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.
Apple has some additional requirements listed to use this feature:
- Wrist detection must be enabled on your Apple Watch
- You must be 22 years or older, not pregnant and not have been diagnosed with hypertension.
The process of enabling hypertension notifications involves confirming most of these details when prompted.
How to use the hypertension feature in watchOS 26
Once you’ve met all the requirements listed above, here’s what Apple tells you to do to enable hypertension notifications.
Follow these simple steps:
- On your iPhone, open the Health app
- Tap your profile icon in the top corner
- Under Features, tap “Health Checklist”
- Tap “High Blood Pressure Notifications”
- Confirm your age and if you have ever been diagnosed with hypertension, tap Continue.
- Tap Next to follow the on-screen prompts and learn how notifications work.
- Tap Done
After going through the setup process, you will not immediately start receiving hypertension notifications.
This is because Apple needs 30 days to collect initial data before it can accurately predict whether you have a pattern of hypertension.
Apple explains:
Your Apple Watch can analyze data collected by the optical heart sensor and alert you if it detects a pattern of hypertension. This is done over 30-day evaluation periods, starting from the day you set up hypertension notifications.
For more information, see the full support document on Apple’s website.
Have you used the new hypertension detection feature in watchOS 26? Let us know in the comments.
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