Samsung’s blood pressure monitoring feature has received regulatory approval for use in the United States, marking a significant milestone seven years after the company first announced its plans for the technology.
The new feature allows users to monitor and track their blood pressure using compatible Galaxy smartwatches. This release positions Samsung against competitors like Apple, which has incorporated similar capabilities, albeit with a different methodology.
The Galaxy Watch Active, part of Samsung’s wearable lineup, integrates blood pressure tracking that began its rollout in 2020 but previously lacked approval for U.S. users. The company stated that U.S. consumers can now use their smartwatches to check blood pressure levels, although they must still have access to a traditional blood pressure monitor to calibrate the system.
Users must calibrate their Galaxy watch using an upper arm cuff every 28 days for accurate readings. The compatible watches can measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as heart rate using integrated sensors.
In contrast, the Apple Watch has adopted a simpler model for tracking hypertension. It alerts users who may demonstrate signs of high blood pressure, prompting them to use an external monitor for regular readings over one week. This feature exists on Apple Watch Series 9 and newer models, as well as on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and newer.
Samsung’s approach requires ongoing user input and access to traditional monitoring equipment, whereas Apple aims to streamline the process of managing hypertension. As these technologies evolve, it remains to be seen how each will adapt in future updates to meet user needs.
Samsung has historically led in integrating blood pressure monitoring into consumer wearables, beginning with its efforts in 2019. As competition intensifies in the smartwatch market, both companies are working to enhance their health monitoring capabilities.
Samsung Electronics and Apple Inc. are two of the leading players in the smartwatch sector, each focusing on different functionalities to cater to health-conscious consumers. Samsung has promoted its innovative technology, while Apple has emphasized user experience with its straightforward health alerts.
