Tech News

Apple Patents New Blood Pressure Monitoring Tech for Future Apple Watch

Highlights

Apple has patented a new blood pressure monitoring technology for future Apple Watches.
The tech is inspired by traditional monitors rather than optical sensors.
Parent design reveals the tech involves a wearable device with a strap, pump, inflatable chamber and a liquid-filled sensing chamber.

Apple has patented a new blood pressure monitoring technology. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple has been putting a lot of work into integrating essential and reliable health features into its Apple Watches. Health features have somewhat dominated the last few Apple launches and now it appears Apple plans on bringing some more innovation in this regard in future as well.

As per recent reports, Apple has patented a new technology that could bring blood pressure monitoring to the Apple Watch. This is a long-awaited feature by many health-focused Appl Watch users.

According to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Apple plans to use a method inspired by traditional blood pressure monitors moving away from reliance on optical sensors.

Apple has reportedly been working on blood pressure monitoring for several years. Previous rumours suggested that the technology might be ready for the Apple Watch Series 10, but no official timeline has been announced.

How Does The Technology Work?

The blood pressure measurement concept on Apple Watch. (Image source – Apple Patent Docs)

The Apple patent describes a wearable device featuring a strap, pump, inflatable chamber and a liquid-filled sensing chamber. Other components include a vibration sensor and a pressure sensor to measure blood pressure parameters.

Here’s how the process works:

The inflatable chamber compresses the user’s wrist with the help of a pump.
The liquid-filled sensing chamber measures vibrations and pressure during inflation.
Once deflated, the device rechecks these parameters to ensure accuracy.

Reports suggest a flowchart in the patent details the sequence including how the chamber maintains inflation to verify the readings before deflating completely.

Apple claims the liquid-filled sensing chamber offers better accuracy and sensitivity compared to air-based methods, which makes it a reliable option for wearable blood pressure monitoring.

Apple Patent Design Insights

The diagrams in the patent show a design resembling the Apple Watch complete with the signature crown and side button. While the technology could theoretically be used in other wearables, the illustrations strongly suggest its integration with future Apple Watch models.

Meanwhile, Apple fans will need to wait for further announcements from the Cupertino giant.

FAQs

Q1. What new patent has Apple applied for?

Answer. Apple has patented a new blood pressure monitoring technology for future Apple Watches, inspired by traditional monitors rather than optical sensors.

Q2. How does the new blood pressure monitoring technology work?

Answer. The technology involves a wearable device with a strap, pump, inflatable chamber, and a liquid-filled sensing chamber. The inflatable chamber compresses the user’s wrist, and the sensing chamber measures vibrations and pressure, ensuring accurate readings.

Q3. What does the Apple patent design suggest about future Apple Watches?

Answer. The design illustrations in the patent suggest the integration of this blood pressure monitoring technology with future Apple Watch models featuring the signature crown and side button.