The third generation of Apple Watch Ultra is expected to arrive in 2025 with new features.
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Apple's third generation of Apple Watch Ultra is expected in in 2025, and is rumored to include satellite messaging, as well as some form of hypertension monitoring.
The upgrade to standalone satellite communications will allow users to rely less on their iPhones for messaging and emergency calls in remote areas, potentially easing the burden on outdoor enthusiasts. The feature will likely be exclusive to the third-generation Apple Watch Ultra, the current generation of which retails for $799.
To be clear, the addition of satellite communications and location features to the Apple Watch Ultra will help in emergency situations, but will not replace the overall usefulness of the iPhone. It will, however, make it easier to quickly call for help if needed, since the device will already be accessible on the wrist, rather than hidden away.
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Hypertension Alerts May Be Coming Soon
The next Apple Watch Ultra — and possibly the regular annual Apple Watch update in 2025 — could also see the long-awaited debut of a new health feature: hypertension detection. The current thinking, as reported by Bloomberg, is that the feature won't provide traditional blood pressure readings.
Instead, the feature will simply send alerts when users are in a state of hypertension, similar to how the current sleep apnea alert feature works. Instead of providing specific blood pressure readings, it will simply alert users when blood pressure falls outside of the normal range.
Traditional blood pressure devices use a cuff that fits around the upper arm. The cuff is then inflated to apply pressure to the area, making it easier to detect the heart's systolic and diastolic circulatory pump.
Apple's current goal is to have future Apple Watch models track trends, alerting users to changes. The alerts would then offer traditional blood pressure cuff readings and a doctor's help to confirm the information.
This is similar to how future non-invasive blood glucose readings from the Apple Watch — another feature Apple hopes to introduce in the future — will work. Instead of offering blood sugar readings, the light sensors on the bottom of the Apple Watch will analyze changes in blood chemistry using a method similar to how the device currently measures heart rate to identify trends.
There are already other, more invasive devices that help people with diabetes and similar conditions monitor their blood glucose levels. For example, the Dexcom G7 glucometer uses a disc with a small needle that sticks to the skin to directly read blood glucose levels.
These devices then wirelessly transmit the information they collect directly to your iPhone or Apple Watch.
The two upcoming Apple features will combine to further position the Apple Watch as a primary health and safety device rather than a medical device. This approach will continue to provide users with useful health and communication capabilities while avoiding delays or lack of health features due to regulatory and other technical issues.
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