This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Apple (AAPL, Financials) is adding a new health feature to its Watch Series 11 alerts that can warn users when they may have high blood pressure. The tool, powered by artificial intelligence, was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and will be available in more than 150 countries.
The feature works by analyzing existing heart sensor data through AI models trained on research from more than 100,000 study participants. It doesn’t measure blood pressure directly, but it nudges users to check with a traditional cuff and follow up with a doctor if needed. Apple says the alerts will also be available on Watch Series 9 and newer devices.
More than a billion individuals throughout the world have high blood pressure, and many of them don’t know it. Experts in health suggest that the alarms on the Apple Watch could help more individuals find out about the ailment early. They also say that the tool shouldn’t be used instead of a doctor’s diagnosis, and people who don’t get an alert shouldn’t think they’re safe.
The launch for Apple builds on years of work to make the Watch more than just a fitness tracker. It now has blood pressure warnings in addition to heart rhythm tracking and other functions. Both investors and users will be watching to see how many people use the new tool and whether it helps Apple get more people interested in health.