Kota Kinabalu (Dec 26) - Apple has received official clearance in Malaysia to roll out its hypertension notification feature for the Apple Watch, following approval from the Medical Device Authority (MDA), which has classified the function as a medical device. The company confirmed that it is completing the required distribution processes and expects the feature to be made available to Malaysian users in early 2026.
The feature is designed to identify trends associated with long-term high blood pressure, often described as a “silent killer,” by analysing health data collected from the wrist. To access the function, users must own an Apple Watch Series 9 or newer, or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, running the latest version of watchOS.
The hypertension notification is intended for users aged 22 and above who are not pregnant and who have not previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure. It relies on the Apple Watch’s optical heart sensor to detect irregular patterns over a 30-day monitoring period beginning from initial setup.
When a potential hypertension pattern is detected, the watch will issue an alert based on heart data gathered over the previous month. Users are then guided to create a Blood Pressure Log and are required to use a compatible third-party blood pressure cuff to record readings over seven days.
Apple emphasised that the feature does not replace medical advice or professional diagnosis, and it cannot detect heart attacks or other acute cardiac events. Users experiencing symptoms such as chest tightness or pressure are advised to seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
For Sabahans, especially those living in rural or interior areas with limited access to regular medical screening, the upcoming feature could serve as an additional early-warning tool to encourage timely health checks and medical consultations, potentially supporting better long-term cardiovascular awareness and prevention.