Apple Watch's next killer feature is ...

Why I'm excited about a rumored new feature

Author

Leander Kahney
August 28, 2025

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One of the great joys of getting older is quietly developing things like high blood pressure — the silent killer!

It’s so called because, for many people, there are no obvious symptoms until you have a nasty stroke or massive, chest-gripping heart attack.

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure last year. My doctor noticed my readings had been steadily climbing for a couple of years, and had reached a point where it had suddenly become alarmingly high. I had no idea, of course.

This is why I’m really excited about blood pressure monitoring coming to Apple Watch. It’s rumored to be in the next models, coming as soon as early September, although Apple has reportedly struggled to make it a reality.

It sounds like the Apple Watch system may have some major drawbacks, but if it functions as an early warning system, it’s going to be a major, major addition to the Apple Watch’s health-monitoring arsenal. Silent killer no more!

Here’s what else to expect from the next Apple Watch models — the best potentially lifesaving wearables around.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • Remember when ultraportable netbooks were a thing? Yeah, they sucked, but this new case from Zagg turns your iPad mini into a Netbook that doesn’t suck.

  • Our resident headphones expert David Snow reckons EarFun’s inexpensive Tune Pro over-ear headphones rival Beats Studio Pro and others, and is gobsmacked by this $56 deal.

  • I had no idea you could do this — but Siri can be used to silence annoying alarms on other Apple devices, even in different rooms. Sounds handy.

  • Because SurfShark VPN can be used on unlimited devices, this is a genuinely good deal.

  • I can’t imagine falling in love with a leather laptop sleeve, but then I haven’t reviewed one quite like this.

  • Today’s the day in Apple history that mankind sent the first email from space, dispatched from a 16-pound Macintosh “Portable.” 

  • PS: For what looks like another amazing medical breakthrough, see the first X post below.

  • It’s interesting to see what products you guys are most looking forward to from Apple’s September event: See yesterday’s poll results below.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

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Apple Watch Series 11 rumors: Blood pressure detection, 5G connectivity and more

Before its September launch, here is what the rumors reveal about the Apple Watch Series 11. It might bring a rush of new features. Or not.

Turn iPad mini into an ultraportable notebook with this detachable keyboard case

Unlock productivity with the Zagg Slim Book mini, a case and keyboard that transforms your iPad mini for work and travel.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Great budget-friendly, noise-canceling headphones just got even cheaper

Our cans guy loves this EarFun Tune Pro over-ear headphones deal -- just $56 for audio gear that rivals Beats Studio Pro and others.

How to make Siri silence alarms on other Apple devices

Learn how to conveniently control your iPhone alarm sound using Siri, even from a different room in your home.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Price drop: Surf safe anywhere with a VPN that works on unlimited devices

Get a three-year subscription to Surfshark VPN for $67.20 (reg. $430). It covers unlimited devices on macOS, iOS, Windows, Android and more.

Today in Apple history: Mac sends first email from space

On August 28, 1991, the first email from space came down to Earth thanks to a Macintosh Portable and AppleLink software.

Why I love this leather notebook case [Review]

The Casemade Leather Laptop Case combines elegant design with a protective wool interior. We go hands on … and fall in love.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

Somebody at IBM a few years ago saw our NextStep operating system as a potential diamond to solve their biggest and most profound problem, that of adding value to their computers with unique software. Unfortunately, as I learned, IBM is not a monolith. It is a very large place with lots of faces, and they all play musical chairs. Somewhere along the line this diamond got dropped in the mud, and now it's sitting on somebody's desk who thinks it's a dirt clod. Inside that dirt clod is still a diamond, but they don't see it.

— Steve Jobs, 1991.

Today’s poll

What's the most exciting feature coming to the new Apple Watches?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from yesterday’s poll: What are you most excited about seeing at Apple's event?

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