The recent launch of watchOS 26 has brought a wave of excitement among Apple Watch users, with many still exploring the latest updates. This version introduces significant enhancements, particularly in health monitoring, featuring two groundbreaking additions: hypertension notifications and a comprehensive sleep score.
Available on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and 3, the new hypertension notifications address a critical health issue affecting approximately 1.3 billion adults worldwide. Often undiagnosed, hypertension can lead to severe health conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. The introduction of this feature in watchOS 26 could be one of the most significant advancements in Apple Watch’s history.
Here’s how the hypertension notifications function: Utilizing data from the optical heart sensor, the Apple Watch analyzes how blood vessels respond to heartbeats. The sophisticated algorithm operates passively in the background, reviewing health data over a 30-day period. If it detects consistent signs of hypertension, users receive timely notifications. This proactive approach aims to empower users to make necessary lifestyle changes or seek medical intervention, potentially preventing serious health issues down the line.
To activate hypertension alerts in watchOS 26, navigate to the Health app, tap on your profile icon at the top-right corner, select Health Checklist, and then enable Hypertension Notifications.
As sleep tracking gains prominence in the Apple Watch’s health capabilities, watchOS 26 takes it a step further with the introduction of the sleep score feature. While sleep health data has been available for some time, this new feature simplifies the information, making it more accessible and actionable for users.
The sleep score evaluates three essential metrics: Duration, Bedtime, and Interruptions. Each metric is assigned a specific point value: up to 50 points for duration, a maximum of 30 for bedtime, and 20 for interruptions. Consequently, users can achieve a theoretical maximum score of 100. Based on performance in each category, the Apple Watch assigns an overall score, categorizing it as ‘Excellent,’ ‘High,’ ‘OK,’ or ‘Low.’
You can view your sleep score within the Sleep app on watchOS 26 or through the Health app on your iPhone running iOS 26.
With the impressive features of watchOS 26, now is the perfect time to explore the best deals and accessories for your Apple Watch. Enhance your experience and make the most out of the latest health features by investing in compatible accessories that suit your lifestyle.
Stay informed about the latest updates and ensure your health is a priority with the innovative features of watchOS 26.
