Apple Watch continues to evolve into a comprehensive health device, with hypertension notifications being one of the latest additions in watchOS 26. This feature is designed to alert users if their data indicates potential signs of high blood pressure, helping them take timely action or seek medical guidance. By extending beyond fitness tracking into medical alerts, Apple is reinforcing its strategy of positioning the Apple Watch as both a wellness tool and a health companion.
As of now, hypertension notifications are officially supported in 159 countries and regions worldwide, according to Apple’s feature availability page. This makes it one of the most widely accessible health features available on the Apple Watch. The availability reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to gain regulatory approval across global markets, since each country has different rules when it comes to health-related technologies and digital medical tools.
In practice, the feature works by analyzing trends in blood pressure data from compatible devices and other health metrics stored in the Health app. If unusual patterns appear that may indicate hypertension, Apple Watch can provide a notification. It is not intended as a medical diagnostic tool, but rather an early alert system that encourages users to consult a healthcare professional. This preventive approach follows the same strategy Apple has used with irregular rhythm notifications and low cardio fitness alerts.
The 159 supported countries span almost every major region. North America, most of Europe, and large parts of Asia-Pacific are covered, along with select nations in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. However, not every region is included – for example, while Kuwait and Qatar are supported, the United Arab Emirates is not currently listed. This shows that Apple continues to expand cautiously based on local regulatory approvals.
Some of the regions where hypertension notifications are available include:
- United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom
- Nearly all European Union member states, plus Switzerland and Norway
- Major Asian markets such as Japan, Hong Kong, and India
- Middle Eastern countries including Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
- Parts of Africa such as Egypt, Ghana, and South Africa
- Island regions like Bermuda, Fiji, and French Polynesia
Availability also depends on the Apple Watch model. Hypertension notifications require Apple Watch Series 8 or later, including Apple Watch SE (2nd generation and newer) and all Apple Watch Ultra models. Users with older devices like Series 7, the first-generation SE, or earlier watches will not have access to this feature, even if they live in a supported country. The feature also requires watchOS 26 or later.
With 159 regions already covered, hypertension notifications represent one of Apple’s most ambitious health rollouts. This wide availability contrasts with features like the ECG app, which remain restricted to fewer countries due to stricter medical classifications. The scale of support underlines Apple’s goal of positioning the Apple Watch as a globally trusted health companion rather than a device limited to fitness tracking.
