If you are wondering “does Apple Watch measure blood pressure?”, you are not alone.
This is one of the most searched health questions about the Apple Watch in the UK.
Many people use Apple Watch to track heart rate, fitness, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
So it feels natural to ask whether it can also check blood pressure — especially if you have high blood pressure or want to monitor your heart health.
This guide gives a clear, honest answer, without confusing medical language.
We explain what Apple Watch can do, what it cannot do, and the best way to monitor blood pressure safely, based on UK health guidance.
Can Apple Watch Measure Blood Pressure?
Short answer: No.
The Apple Watch does not measure blood pressure directly.
Apple has officially confirmed that no Apple Watch model, including the latest versions, can take a real blood pressure reading like a medical blood pressure monitor.
You cannot get systolic or diastolic numbers (for example, 120/80 mmHg) from the Apple Watch alone.
However, there is more to understand — and this is where many people get confused.
Why Do People Think Apple Watch Measures Blood Pressure?
The confusion comes from three main reasons:
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Apple Watch tracks many heart-related metrics
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Third-party blood pressure apps exist
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The Health app shows “blood pressure trends”
Let’s break these down simply.
What Health Metrics Can Apple Watch Measure?
Apple Watch is very strong when it comes to cardiovascular health tracking, just not blood pressure measurement.
Here is what it can measure accurately:
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Heart rate (beats per minute)
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Heart rate variability (HRV)
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ECG (electrocardiogram) on supported models
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Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂)
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Fitness activity and workouts
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Sleep patterns
These measurements use optical sensors and electrical signals, which work well for heart rhythm and activity.
Blood pressure is different.
Why Apple Watch Cannot Measure Blood Pressure (Yet)
Blood pressure is harder to measure than heart rate.
Blood pressure needs pressure
To measure blood pressure properly, a device needs to:
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Apply pressure to an artery
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Slowly release that pressure
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Detect blood flow changes
This is why traditional monitors use an inflatable cuff around the arm.
Apple Watch does not have:
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A cuff
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A pressure-based sensor
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Medical-grade calibration
Because of this, it cannot produce accurate blood pressure readings.
Blood Pressure Tracking vs Blood Pressure Measurement
This is a very important difference.
Blood pressure measurement
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Gives exact numbers (e.g. 130/85)
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Requires a validated BP monitor
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Used for diagnosis and treatment decisions
Blood pressure tracking
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Looks at patterns over time
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Uses indirect signals like heart rate
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Does not replace real measurements
Apple Watch may help with blood pressure trends, but it does not measure blood pressure itself.
Does Apple Watch Measure Blood Pressure Accurately?
Because Apple Watch does not measure blood pressure at all, accuracy is not the right word here.
Some apps estimate blood pressure using:
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Heart rate
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Age
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Weight
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Activity levels
These are estimates only, not real readings.
UK doctors and health organisations do not recommend using Apple Watch or apps to diagnose or manage blood pressure.
Can Apple Watch Measure Blood Pressure and Heart Rate?
Apple Watch does measure heart rate accurately.
It does not measure blood pressure.
Heart rate and blood pressure are related, but they are not the same thing.
You can have:
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Normal heart rate and high blood pressure
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High heart rate and normal blood pressure
That is why heart rate alone cannot tell you your blood pressure.
Apple Watch Blood Pressure Apps – Do They Work?
Many people search for:
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“Does Apple Watch measure blood pressure Reddit”
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“Is SmartBP app accurate?”
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“Free blood pressure app for iPhone”
Let’s explain this clearly.
Blood pressure apps do NOT measure BP
Apps like:
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SmartBP
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Qardio
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Apple Health BP section
Do not measure blood pressure on their own.
They rely on:
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Manual input
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Readings from a real BP monitor
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Estimates (less reliable)
Are BP apps useful at all?
Yes — if used correctly.
Apps are good for:
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Storing readings
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Tracking blood pressure trends
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Sharing data with your GP
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Monitoring long-term changes
They are not suitable for diagnosis without a proper monitor.
Is the SmartBP App Accurate?
SmartBP itself does not measure blood pressure.
Its accuracy depends entirely on how accurate your BP monitor is.
If you enter readings from:
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A validated upper-arm monitor
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Used correctly
Then SmartBP can be helpful for tracking and averaging.
If you rely on estimates only, accuracy is poor.
Do Any Smartwatches Measure Blood Pressure?
Some smartwatches claim to measure blood pressure, such as:
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Samsung Galaxy Watch
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Huawei Watch
However, there are important limitations:
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They require regular calibration
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You still need a real BP monitor
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Accuracy varies
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Not approved for diagnosis in the UK
Even these watches do not replace medical devices.
Can Apple Watch Measure Blood Pressure Series 10 or Future Models?
As of now, Apple has not released any Apple Watch with true blood pressure measurement.
There are rumours and research into future technology, but:
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No official release
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No approved feature
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No confirmed timeline
Until Apple announces it officially, assume Apple Watch cannot measure BP.
Do Cardiologists Recommend Apple Watch?
Cardiologists generally see Apple Watch as:
✅ Useful for:
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Heart rhythm awareness
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Detecting irregular heartbeat
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Encouraging activity
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Supporting lifestyle changes
❌ Not suitable for:
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Measuring blood pressure
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Diagnosing hypertension
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Replacing medical equipment
Doctors in the UK recommend home BP monitors for blood pressure management.
UK Medical Guidance on Blood Pressure Monitoring
According to NHS and British Hypertension Society guidance:
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Blood pressure should be measured using a validated arm cuff monitor
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Home monitoring is encouraged for long-term management
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Readings should be averaged over time
You can use tools like a Blood Pressure Average Calculator to understand your numbers more clearly (use this at least twice in your article).
Best Way to Monitor Blood Pressure at Home (UK)
Here is the safest and most accurate method:
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Use a validated upper-arm BP monitor
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Sit quietly for 5 minutes
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Keep your arm supported at heart level
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Take 2 readings, morning and evening
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Track averages using a BP app or calculator
Apple Watch can be used alongside, but not instead of, a monitor.
Can Apple Watch Help With Blood Pressure Management?
Yes — indirectly.
Apple Watch supports:
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Activity tracking
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Exercise reminders
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Stress awareness
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Sleep monitoring
These factors affect blood pressure health, even if BP is not measured.
It works best as a support tool, not a medical device.
Who Should NOT Rely on Apple Watch for Blood Pressure?
You should not rely on Apple Watch alone if you:
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Have diagnosed hypertension
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Are pregnant
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Have heart disease
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Have diabetes or kidney disease
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Take blood pressure medication
In these cases, proper monitoring is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take my blood pressure with my Apple Watch?
No. Apple Watch cannot take blood pressure readings.
How accurate is Apple Watch with blood pressure?
It does not measure blood pressure, so accuracy does not apply.
Do any smartwatches measure blood pressure?
Some estimate BP, but none replace medical monitors.
Which watch is best for tracking blood pressure?
A validated upper-arm blood pressure monitor is best.
Is there a free blood pressure app for iPhone?
Yes, but apps only track data — they do not measure BP.
Which smartwatch has BP and ECG?
Some Samsung models offer both, but with limitations.
Final Verdict: Does Apple Watch Measure Blood Pressure?
No — Apple Watch does not measure blood pressure.
However, it does support heart health, fitness, and lifestyle changes that matter for blood pressure control.
For accurate readings:
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Use a proper BP monitor
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Track trends with apps
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Follow UK medical guidance
Apple Watch works best as a health companion, not a replacement for medical devices.