Apple Watch Series 9 to Add Blood Pressure Monitoring and Sleep Apnea Detection in 2024, Says Mark Gurman
The Apple Watch Series 9 includes a feature that allows users to measure their blood oxygen saturation levels.Following the release of the iPhone 15 series, Apple introduced the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. However, recent reports indicate that the tech giant is actively developing new features for upcoming Apple Watch models. Analyst Mark Gurman underscores these speculations, suggesting that Apple is aiming for significant upgrades in response to perceived market challenges. The current lineup is deemed to lack substantial differentiation from previous models, potentially impacting its market performance.
Gurman, in his latest weekly newsletter, Power On, said that the Apple Watch will likely be equipped with hypertension and sleep apnea detection features in the future. These are expected to help alert users if they suspect any of the conditions and recommend further medical attention. Apple had also previously been tipped to be working on a non-invasive blood sugar monitoring feature.
The inclusion of these features is expected to make future Apple Watch models seem more worthy of upgrade, according to Gurman. He notes how the newer chipset and brighter display or even the double tap gesture that Watch Series 9 offers over its preceding model does not give a customer an incentive to upgrade to the newer model. He adds that one of the upcoming Apple Watch models is also likely to launch with a new look.
The Apple Watch Series 9 begins at Rs. 41,900 in India for the 41mm aluminum body variant, while the 45mm version is priced at Rs. 44,900. Opting for the stainless steel finish, the 41mm and 45mm options are available at Rs. 70,900 and Rs. 75,900, respectively. Additionally, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is offered at a price of Rs. 89,900.The Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 currently help track the user’s blood oxygen saturation level, measure heat rate, notify irregular heart rhythms, and act as an ECG monitor. Both watches are powered by custom S9 SiP chipsets and run on WatchOS 10. The Watch Series 9 claims to be Apple’s first carbon-neutral product. It also introduces a “Double Tap” gesture that allows the user to answer or end a call, stop a timer, snoozer alarm, control music, access the camera and more by tapping their thumb and index fingers together.
