The Apple Watch continues to evolve with each generation. It's designed not only to offer smart features for the wrist, but also to increasingly contribute to health monitoring. With the upcoming update, Apple is introducing several innovations: high blood pressure alerts, improved battery life, and an unusual choice regarding the chip configuration.
A lot has happened since the first Apple Watch in 2014. But the watch's strengths no longer lie solely in notifications or fitness tracking. Apple is increasingly focusing on medical features. Hypertension detection is one of the most important additions in recent years. At the same time, Apple is surprising everyone this year by not introducing a new chip for the first time. Battery life is also receiving a significant update, significantly changing everyday life with the watch.
High blood pressure warnings for older models
Hypertension detection was originally planned exclusively for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11. Now it is being expanded to older models. With watchOS 26, the Apple Watch Series 9 and later, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, can use the feature. US FDA approval is expected shortly. The feature is expected to be available in over 150 countries worldwide by September. Hypertension detection uses the optical heart sensor to analyze blood vessel responses over a 30-day period to detect persistent signs of chronic high blood pressure. The feature was developed using machine learning and data from studies with over 100,000 participants. Clinical trials with more than 2,000 people have validated the technology.
Apple expects to notify over one million people with previously undetected high blood pressure in the first year. If someone receives such a notification, Apple recommends measuring their blood pressure with a cuff device for seven days and sharing the results with a healthcare professional, following American Heart Association guidelines.
No new chip in the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3
For the first time since the launch of the Apple Watch, no new chip generation has been released. Instead of an S11 chip, the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the new Apple Watch SE 3 continue to use the S10. In recent years, Apple had only changed the name of chips without updating the CPU. The S6, S7 and S8 models were all based on the same architecture, as were the S9 and S10. The S10 was originally simply made smaller to fit into the smaller case of the Apple Watch Series 10. The decision to continue using the chip unchanged in the Series 11 and Ultra 3 is therefore less unusual than it first appears. Apple is probably saving the "S11" designation for a larger update. However, for the Apple Watch SE 3, the step is a significant upgrade, as it was previously equipped with the S8.
24-hour battery life in the Apple Watch Series 11
One of the most striking innovations concerns the battery life. The Apple Watch Series 11, for the first time, lasts up to 24 hours. Since 2014, Apple's stated battery life was 18 hours, which it described as "all day." The Series 11 now significantly exceeds this value. These improvements were achieved despite the casing and chip remaining the same as the Series 10. Apple has not explained in detail which internal adjustments led to this increase in efficiency. The watch also offers fast charging: just 15 minutes of charging allows for up to eight hours of use. The Apple Watch SE 3, on the other hand, maintains its familiar 18-hour battery life.
Apple Watch as an everyday and health companion
With these innovations, the Apple Watch continues to evolve into a health platform. The high blood pressure warnings could help millions of people around the world detect a previously undetected risk in a timely manner. At the same time, the Series 11, with its 24-hour battery life, represents a real advancement in everyday life. Even though no new chip was introduced this year, it's clear that Apple is increasingly focusing on useful features that make the watch more than ever a companion for health and everyday life. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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