It might become even easier to keep an eye on your health concerns at home thanks to Apple.
A new report from Bloomberg has revealed a series of new features set to appear in the next generation of Apple Watches, and some of them are pretty major.
According to the report, the Apple Watch series 10 is set to release next year and will boast the capability to detect elevated blood pressure and sleep disturbances that can assist in diagnosing hypertension and sleep apnea.
The tech giant is likewise reportedly working on other health features for future models and other devices, like AirPods, as part of its "evolving approach to health care."
The new Apple Watch will have a rudimentary blood pressure sensor, reported Bloomberg.
This feature may function using near-infrared spectroscopy, speculated Forbes, meaning changes in blood pressure are calculated by looking at blood flow with near-infrared light.
This sensor will not offer exact numbers the same way the cuff in a doctor's office does, but it can detect changes and, importantly, elevations in blood pressure. This would serve as an initial cue that someone is suffering from hypertension and indicate that further exploration by a health care professional is necessary.
While this detection is not yet very exact, Bloomberg reports that future models could develop the capability to produce exact systolic and diastolic measurements, AKA the stuff you get when using a cuff. This may also come with a blood pressure journal enabling users to keep track of changes and spikes.
Like the blood pressure sensor, this feature will work as an early warning to users, letting them know they may need to get in touch with a doctor.
Accuracy may be a concern, but the watch will ultimately defer to making a doctor's appointment based on any abnormalities it detects. While it will not be able to monitor brain activity, a diagnostic tool used in traditional sleep studies, it will be able to check for other common indicators such as movement, breathing rate, snoring and heart rate.
While users will still have to go to a medical professional for a formal assessment and diagnosis, many people hesitate to have initial testing done thanks to the uncomfortable nature of apolysomnogram, which entails trying to sleep in a hospital setting while hooked up to many sensors and machines. This early warning from home may help to bridge that gap.
Like blood pressure monitoring, this feature is meant to serve as an early indicator and encourage users to further investigate these preliminary findings.
Future Apple product health features
The future of Apple products looks to include more health features, reported Bloomberg, including an Apple Watch with a blood glucose monitor that warns wearers if they may become pre-diabetic.
The company is also reportedly developing a digital health coaching service that would require a monthly subscription and may use artificial intelligence and device data to create unique workout and eating plans for users.
Apple is also working on creating AirPods that also serve as hearing aids and a feature to test your hearing at home, said Bloomberg.
Apple Watch Series 10 include the ability to monitor elevated blood pressure and detect sleep disturbances, potentially revolutionizing the diagnosis of conditions like hypertension and sleep apnea. Apple is gearing up to revolutionize home health monitoring with the next generation of its Apple Watch series.
The Takeaway. The new Apple Watch won't be able to diagnose sleep apnea. However, it may be able to detect sleep apnea symptoms, alerting you to contact your doctor for further testing. From there, an in-lab sleep study or home sleep test will be required to diagnose sleep apnea accurately.
The Apple Watch 10 will probably be announced in September of 2024. After all, the Apple Watch 9 was unveiled in September 2023, and previous models have also been unveiled in September of their release years.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is an internationally popular wearable that can also measure your blood pressure. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic also supports this functionality, but has a shorter battery life and slightly smaller size than the Watch 5 Pro.
Sleep apnea detection joins a number of other health-related tracking features on the Galaxy Watch, including blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiogram detection, and irregular heart rhythm notification.
While it may not provide precise numerical readings akin to a medical cuff, it can effectively detect fluctuations and, crucially, elevations in blood pressure. This essential early warning can prompt users to seek professional medical advice if hypertension is suspected.
The Apple Watch Series 9, like its predecessors, is not equipped with a built-in blood pressure monitor. However, it can work in conjunction with external blood pressure monitoring devices to help users measure and record their blood pressure.
Apple Watch Series 4 and later has an electrical heart rate sensor that, along with the ECG app , allows you to take an electrocardiogram (or ECG). To use the ECG app, update your iPhone Xs or later to the latest version of iOS and Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS.
When was the Apple Watch Series 9 released, and how does its release date fit into the Apple Watch release order from previous years? The Apple Watch Series 9 was announced on September 12, 2023. General availability in stores started on September 22, 2023. So basically, you're able to purchase the timepiece now.
How to Measure Blood Pressure With an Apple Watch. “At this time, the Apple Watch isn't equipped to measure your blood pressure alone,” says Dr. Bronstein.
Another rumored improvement would be a built-in ability to monitor for sleep apnea. Multiple reports from Bloomberg dating back to late 2023 made claims about the inclusion of blood pressure monitoring in the 2024 Apple Watch.
However, there are apps available that claim to use the watch's heart rate sensor to estimate blood pressure, but these estimates are not accurate and should not be used for medical purposes. It is important to use a properly calibrated blood pressure monitor to obtain accurate blood pressure readings.
Smartphone sleep apps and wearables like Sleep and the Apple Watch may help users understand their sleep patterns, but they're not appropriate for detecting or diagnosing sleep apnea. If you have questions about sleep apnea or are experiencing symptoms of the disorder, turn to your doctor instead.
CPAP machines are the most common sleep apnea devices. They include a mask, filter, and tubing that connects to a device that blows compressed air into your lungs as you sleep. Diagnosis of OSA is usually followed by treatment with auto titration positive airway pressure (auto PAP).
Apple Watch — Series 6 or later, excluding Apple Watch SE1 — is capable of measuring oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) for fitness and wellness applications.
- APPLE WATCH: Plays haptic (sound, vibration) if snoring is detected. If you buy SMART ALARMS then it will track your sleep movements and it can play haptic (sound, vibration) if alarm is set.
Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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