It’s no news that Apple is actively developing methods for measuring blood pressure. Such a feature would actually place Apple on par with Samsung’s optical measurement or Huawei’s direct measurement, rather than propelling the company to the top of the wearable makers in this regard. However, a new Apple patent (PDF) has surfaced that outlines a novel method of using a watch to measure blood pressure.
Examining the flow chart makes it evident how the blood pressure measurement is intended to operate. First, an inflatable chamber is filled, which, in conjunction with a pressure sensor and detecting chamber, detects the ‘vibrations’ that result in the user’s blood flow. To put it simply: The pressure that must be applied externally to halt blood flow is known as blood pressure. These ‘vibrations’ or Korotkoff noises can then be monitored when pressure is applied to blood flow through a non-invasive process.
The patent states that the chamber is filled with liquid; however, since liquids are incompressible, unlike gasses (and eventually air), it is unclear what benefits liquid provides over air. As usual, the mere fact that Apple is patenting a technology does not guarantee that it will be included in the upcoming Apple Watch or even at all.