Recent advancements in smartwatch technology have led to the development of features aimed at detecting hypertension, potentially providing users with critical health alerts on their wrists. However, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals that these devices, specifically the hypertension notification feature released by Apple Watch in September 2025, fall short of effectively diagnosing the condition. The feature relies on optical sensors to gauge blood flow and issues alerts when it detects elevated pressure levels, but it does not provide a definitive diagnosis.

The research indicated that the Apple Watch demonstration had a sensitivity of only 41%, meaning it successfully identified just over four in ten people who were suffering from undiagnosed hypertension. In contrast, the specificity rate was measured at 92%, showing that while most individuals identified by the device likely do not have hypertension, a significant number of cases remain undetected. This raises concerns about relying solely on smartwatch technology for vital blood pressure monitoring, as traditional cuff-based devices are currently more reliable and could prevent severe health complications by identifying all cases of hypertension.

As wearable technology continues to evolve, the findings of this study highlight the importance of comprehensive monitoring strategies, including regular use of traditional measurement tools in conjunction with new technologies. While smartwatches can encourage health awareness and provide alerts, they should not replace standard practices, particularly in conditions as serious as hypertension, where accurate diagnosis can significantly influence treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.