Samsung is beginning to implement blood pressure tracking for its smartwatch users in the United States, following several years of the feature being accessible in other regions. The update is compatible with Galaxy Watch 4 models or newer that operate on at least WatchOS 4.0, allowing users to track their heart rate in conjunction with systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
This feature does not permit supported Galaxy Watches to independently measure blood pressure; instead, it necessitates the use of an additional third-party cuff to establish baseline blood pressure readings and perform periodic recalibrations every 28 days. This limitation was also observed when Samsung introduced blood pressure tracking in South Korea over six years ago.
It appears that Samsung is now able to provide blood pressure monitoring capabilities in the US by categorizing it as a “wellness feature” rather than a medical one, after years of attempting to obtain FDA approval — a similar approach was employed by fitness tracker manufacturer Whoop last year.
Galaxy Watch users will be required to download the Samsung Health Monitor app to access this feature, which is compatible with Galaxy phones running Android 12 or later. Samsung has indicated that a new passive monitoring feature will be incorporated into the app “later this year,” enabling users to observe blood pressure trends over time.
The rollout in the US is characterized as “phased” in Samsung’s press release, suggesting that it may take some time before all eligible Galaxy Watch owners receive it — but better late than never, correct?
