Apple is preparing to enhance its smartwatch lineup with satellite connectivity and a blood-pressure monitoring feature, slated for release in 2025, aiming to appeal to health-conscious consumers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The satellite function will debut on the Apple Watch Ultra, the company’s premium model, enabling users to send text messages via Globalstar’s satellite network when they are out of cellular or Wi-Fi range. This feature builds on Apple’s 2022 launch of satellite communication on the iPhone 14, which allowed users to contact emergency services and roadside assistance when off the grid. By integrating this capability into the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple eliminates the need for a smartphone, making it the first mainstream smartwatch with satellite functionality.
Alongside this, Apple is ramping up work on a blood-pressure monitoring tool, expected to arrive in 2025. The feature will not provide specific readings but will alert users if they may be experiencing hypertension. This development is part of Apple’s broader strategy to enhance its health and safety offerings under CEO Tim Cook’s leadership.
The company has already made strides in health technology, with features like sleep apnea detection and efforts on a noninvasive blood-glucose tracker. While Samsung offers blood-pressure capabilities on its devices, Apple’s feature aims to offer an easier, more accessible solution for consumers.
The upcoming updates come as Apple seeks to revitalize smartwatch sales, which have experienced a slowdown in recent years. The Apple Watch Ultra, priced at $799, is expected to benefit from the new satellite and health features, distinguishing it from the more affordable Apple Watch SE ($249) and Series 10 ($399). Apple’s recent partnership with Globalstar, including a $1.5 billion investment, strengthens its satellite infrastructure to support these new capabilities.
Additionally, Apple is shifting its smartwatch models to use cellular modems developed by MediaTek, reducing its reliance on Intel. The change includes support for 5G Redcap, aimed at internet-connected devices with lighter data demands.
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