Apple Inc. plans to bring satellite connections to its smartwatch in 2025 and is ramping up work on a blood-pressure feature, seeking to entice hikers and health-conscience consumers into upgrading their devices. The satellite capability is slated to come to next year’s Apple Watch Ultra, the company’s top-of-the-line model, according to people familiar with the matter. The technology will let smartwatch users send off-the-grid text messages when they don’t have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The other feature, which would monitor whether Apple Watch users have high blood pressure, may arrive as soon as 2025 as well. But it’s been delayed before, with Apple previously aiming to release the tool last year. https://lnkd.in/ewifnrZD
Tony Novak
3w
I am in. I was already planning to make my next phone decision based on this because of the amount of time I spend in a remote outdoor area alone at the marina and on the water. But a watch is better for emergency communication. I usually do not see another person for hours.
What consumers really want is a battery that lasts more than a day--on or off the grid. If you're hiking in the Andes, you're going to be in big trouble if your fancy watch you're depending on for comms dies the day after you put it on.
Yet more marketing persuading us to buy what we don’t need! I am happy with my Fitbit. I don’t need to pay $1000 for a phone and another $1000 for a watch that duplicates and offers much of the same functions - and needs charging every day!. My Fitbit battery lasts a week or more, and tells me everything I need to know. If I am hiking in the wilderness, I have a map and compass, whistle and flashlight. Most people that get lost do not carry or know how to use these, and should not be out of sight of a road frankly. As scouts say, be prepared.
Jeff Bell
3w
Excited to see Apple pushing the boundaries of wearable technology with satellite connectivity for off-grid communication and advanced health monitoring like blood-pressure tracking, enhancing safety and wellness for active, health-conscious consumers
A great new feature, although with all smartphone and watch makers, no one has cracked the magic solution of battery life!!!, phones need to last longer than 1 day with a lot of use and watches at least 1 week
Greg K.
3w
It's okay to head into the wilderness without technology. Take a chance! Live a bit dangerously! I venture into the BWCAW often with nothing but sleeping, fishing and cooking gear along with a first aid kit. Sure, if I get in trouble, I'm in deep. But that is when you feel so alive! 🙂
Mike McCann
3w
I would like to know how this Apple watch satellite connection for text messages compares to a Satellite phone you can purchase for text and voice, dollar-wise.
As long as Apple touts its smartwatches as lifesaving* and not productivity devices, it is fine by me. 😉 * satellite capability, blood pressure tool.
Ron House
3w
If Apple was truly focusing on health and well being. Then the watch would be affordable.
Chief Financial Officer, AF Albert Retail General Contractors Ltd.
3wI find Apple's upcoming advancements with the Apple Watch Ultra particularly exciting. For those of us who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures, the prospect of satellite connectivity will be a game changer for reliable communication even in remote areas. This feature not only improves safety, but also adds tremendous value to our nature experiences. Additionally, the possible inclusion of a blood pressure monitoring tool shows that Apple is truly prioritizing the health and well-being of its users, which fits perfectly with our growing focus on proactive health management. It's clear that Apple is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology to create devices that don't just fulfill our everyday needs, they are designed to protect and improve our lives in meaningful ways. I'm eager to see how these innovations fit into my lifestyle, providing convenience and peace of mind.