The Apple Watch Blood Pressure Reading Problem

Forbes - Jan 20th, 2025
Open on Forbes

Apple is set to unveil the Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3 models featuring a long-anticipated blood pressure monitoring capability. Unlike traditional methods, which use an inflatable cuff to obtain diastolic and systolic readings, Apple's approach will focus on detecting hypertension through photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors. This technology will alert users to potential blood pressure issues rather than providing precise numerical readings. The development is rooted in Apple's cautious approach to ensure accuracy and user convenience, minimizing the need for calibration with conventional cuffs.

The significance of this feature lies in Apple's commitment to enhancing its smartwatch's health monitoring capabilities, despite the challenges presented by existing technologies. This move follows previous attempts by competitors like Samsung, which introduced blood pressure monitoring in its Galaxy Watch 4 in 2021. Apple's strategy may offer more reliable alerts without frequent recalibrations, thereby potentially setting a new standard in wearable health technology. The announcement is expected in September, marking a significant milestone in Apple's wearable tech evolution.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

This news story presents an intriguing look at potential future features of the Apple Watch, specifically regarding blood pressure monitoring. It scores moderately well in accuracy, as it incorporates some factual elements about current technological capabilities but ventures heavily into speculative territory based on insider leaks. The balance is somewhat lacking, as the story does not adequately present diverse viewpoints or counterarguments from the medical community or other tech analysts, which could have enriched the discussion.

Source quality and transparency are areas of concern; the story relies too much on a single source without corroborating evidence from more authoritative voices, and it does not effectively communicate the speculative nature of its claims. However, the article is generally clear and engaging, making it accessible to readers, though it risks losing clarity when delving into technical explanations.

Overall, the story serves as an interesting preview of potential technological advancements but should be approached with caution due to its speculative foundation and lack of diverse sourcing. Readers are advised to view it as part of a broader conversation about wearable technology rather than a definitive announcement.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story discusses the potential introduction of blood pressure monitoring in the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3, leaning heavily on speculative information from a known leaker, Mark Gurman. The accuracy check reveals that while Apple has explored patents for related technology, the watch itself currently relies on external devices for blood pressure monitoring. The article accurately describes the limitations of current PPG technology, citing a Nature paper that discusses its challenges, but it presents future capabilities as more certain than they might be. The claim about a 2024 patent is accurate, but the actual implementation of such technology remains speculative. Overall, the story blends factual elements with unverified predictions, requiring careful reader skepticism about its more assertive claims.

5
Balance

The story predominantly features one perspective—that of Apple enthusiasts eager for new features—without offering a balanced view of potential drawbacks or alternative expert opinions. While it mentions Huawei's method as a point of comparison, it does not delve into user experiences or the medical community's stance on wearable blood pressure monitors. The lack of input from medical professionals or researchers on the feasibility and accuracy of such a feature in consumer devices leaves the narrative somewhat one-sided. This narrow focus could mislead readers into overestimating the readiness and effectiveness of the upcoming technology.

7
Clarity

The article is generally well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible to readers with varying degrees of familiarity with the subject. It effectively explains the differences between traditional and wearable blood pressure measurement methods. However, the narrative occasionally drifts into technical jargon, particularly when discussing PPG technology, which could confuse less tech-savvy readers. The tone remains professional and engaging, though it occasionally ventures into speculative territory without adequate disclaimers.

5
Source quality

The primary source for the story is Mark Gurman, a reputable but informal source known for Apple-related leaks. His track record lends some credibility, but the absence of corroboration from more authoritative sources like Apple itself or independent tech analysts weakens the overall source quality. The story references a Nature paper, which is a reliable scientific source, but does not quote or directly connect the findings to Apple's current capabilities. Without a diverse range of authoritative voices, the story's claims rest on a speculative foundation.

4
Transparency

The story lacks transparency about the speculative nature of the claims being made. It does not clearly distinguish between confirmed features and rumored developments, potentially misleading readers. The use of patents as evidence for future product features is not accompanied by a discussion on the typical nature of patent filings, which often do not result in actual products. Furthermore, there is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or affiliations of the leaker, which could further inform the reader about the motivations behind the information shared.

Sources

  1. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253933441
  2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378866459_Accuracy_of_Apple_Watch_to_Measure_Cardiovascular_Indices_in_Patients_with_Chronic_Diseases_A_Cross_Sectional_Study
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34711377/
  4. https://www.simplymac.com/apple-watch/apple-watch-blood-pressure-accuracy
  5. https://www.utica.edu/academic/library/JAMA%20Network%20-%20AMA%20Manual%20of%20Style_%20A%20Guide%20for%20Authors%20and%20Editors-OUP%20USA%20(2020).pdf