Apple Watch Health Tracking Features Coming To Older Models

Apple Watch health tracking features are expanding to older models, giving users more advanced wellness insights without needing to buy the newest device. With the release of watchOS 26, features like hypertension notifications, Sleep Score, live translation, and new wrist gestures will be available for the Watch Series 9 and newer, as well as the Watch Ultra 2. This update makes it easier for more people to access tools that support heart health, sleep tracking, and everyday convenience.

Hypertension Notifications On Apple Watch

The highlight of this update is hypertension notifications, designed to help users monitor blood pressure trends over time. Using the optical heart sensor, the watch analyzes how blood vessels respond to heartbeats. Data is reviewed over 30 days, and users are alerted if patterns suggest high blood pressure. Once cleared by regulators, this feature will become available in over 150 countries, making proactive heart health monitoring accessible directly from the wrist.

Sleep Score Feature For Older Watches

Apple is also broadening its Sleep Score feature, which rates sleep quality based on metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen, wrist temperature, and breathing patterns. This tool, when paired with an iPhone 11 or later, offers insights into sleep efficiency. The rollout includes Watch Series 6 and later, all Watch Ultra models, and the second-generation Watch SE, ensuring more users benefit from a science-backed sleep analysis system.

Other New Health Tracking Features

Beyond heart health and sleep, watchOS 26 introduces live translation and wrist-flick gestures. Live translation aims to improve communication across languages in real time, while wrist gestures enhance accessibility and ease of use. These updates reflect Apple’s focus on blending health, wellness, and convenience into one device.

Why Apple Watch Health Tracking Matters

Expanding health tracking features to older models shows Apple’s commitment to making wellness tools widely available. Hypertension notifications and Sleep Score provide practical ways for users to monitor their well-being daily, while additional features add convenience. With watchOS 26, Apple Watch continues to be more than just a smartwatch—it’s evolving into a powerful personal health companion.