Updated
Updated · Android Police · Aug 17
Google Adds Blood Pressure Trends to Pixel Watch 5 as Whoop's 2025 FDA Fight Clears Path
Updated
Updated · Android Police · Aug 17

Google Adds Blood Pressure Trends to Pixel Watch 5 as Whoop's 2025 FDA Fight Clears Path

3 articles · Updated · Android Police · Aug 17

Summary

  • Google will launch Health Guardian on Pixel Watch 5 in September, adding Blood Pressure Trends that generate monthly cardiovascular trend reports rather than real-time blood pressure readings.
  • The feature relies on passive pulse and motion data, and Google labels it as wellness-only—unsuitable for diagnosis, treatment, medication changes or blood pressure management.
  • That cautious framing follows Whoop’s 2025 clash with the FDA over its cuff-calibrated Blood Pressure Insights feature, sold with its $359-a-year Whoop Life subscription.
  • In January 2026, the FDA said some non-invasive wearables can qualify as general wellness products if their blood-pressure outputs are intended solely for wellness uses; it closed its action against Whoop in June after labeling changes.
  • The guidance likely lowered regulatory friction for Google’s rollout, while Apple had previously sought FDA clearance for a similar hypertension-risk feature on Apple Watch Series 11.

Insights

Can a screenless wearable truly predict heart risks, or is Google's passive tracking just selling false reassurance to premium subscribers?
While Apple sought strict FDA approval, Google chose the wellness route—which tech giant's gamble on your heart health will win out?