Upcoming Smartwatch Technological Advancements to Watch Out for in 2025
In the realm of technology, 2025 marks a significant shift in smartwatch innovation. This year, we witness a convergence of AI, health monitoring, and user interaction, transforming these devices into holistic health and wellness coaches [1].
The latest advancements are led by industry giants such as Apple, Samsung, and Garmin, who are steadily improving sensors and battery life, while also exploring new frontiers. Apple, for instance, is rumoured to incorporate a MicroLED display and a glucose sensor in its upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 [3][5].
One of the most intriguing developments is the integration of non-invasive blood glucose tracking, expected to be a feature in devices like the Apple Watch Series 11. Additionally, improved ECG and oxygen monitoring are being integrated into smaller form factors like smart rings, and continuous real-time physiological tracking is enabled by flexible self-powered bioelectronics and hydrogel-based sensors [1][2][3][5].
User interaction is evolving as well, with the expanded use of conversational AI, enhanced connectivity, and more discreet designs. Smart rings, hearables with health features, and lightweight AR glasses that offer AR capabilities combined with health monitoring are becoming increasingly popular [1][2][3].
The CSF-3 Medical Watch, launched in 2023 and commercialized through 2024, is a prime example of this evolution. It delivers continuous, motion-corrected ECG and PPG readings from the wrist, and has received FDA clearance for its smartwatch technology innovation in 2023, and CE marking in 2021 [4]. The watch uses proprietary optical and ECG sensors with advanced artifact cancellation, enabling hospital-grade accuracy even while the wearer is in motion [6].
Another groundbreaking smartwatch is the Huawei Watch D2, the first consumer smartwatch to offer built-in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, thanks to Huawei's TruSense and high-precision optical sensors [7].
The wearables market is also broadening beyond watches, with Samsung's Exynos W1000 powering the Galaxy Watch 7 series. This smartwatch chip, launched in mid-2024, is the first built on a 3nm process, offering 2.7× quicker app launches, better power efficiency, and a smaller size perfect for wearables [8]. The Exynos W1000 features a big.LITTLE CPU and Mali-G68 GPU, and thanks to its FOPLP and embedded PoP packaging, it achieves 3.4× faster single-core and 3.7× multi-core performance [8].
Moreover, the Apple Watch Series 10, released in September 2024, became the first in the lineup with FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection. The sleep apnea detection uses an AI model to analyze breathing irregularities using motion data during sleep and alerts users every 30 days if it detects signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea [6].
The Watch D2's core smartwatch technology innovation lies in a miniaturized airbag and pump integrated into the strap [5]. The PulseSpeed algorithm, developed by Switzerland's CSEM in 2025, allows smartwatches to track heart rate, activity, and distance accurately without relying on GPS. This patented method fuses PPG and motion data for precise tracking, even without GPS, and its low-power, on-device AI processing enables seamless integration into smartwatches without relying on cloud computing [2].
In summary, 2025’s smartwatch innovations are distinguished by the integration of AI to shift devices from passive trackers to proactive health partners, breakthroughs in non-invasive and continuous health sensing, and new interaction models promoting convenience, privacy, and richer, contextual digital assistance [1][2][3][5].
References: [1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamespalmer/2025/03/01/the-latest-advancements-in-smartwatch-technology-are-transforming-these-devices-into-holistic-health-and-wellness-coaches/?sh=7134c9a96e60 [2] https://www.techradar.com/news/the-latest-smartwatch-innovations-are-shifting-devices-from-passive-trackers-to-proactive-health-partners [3] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/01/apple-watch-series-11-glucose-sensor-microled-display/ [4] https://www.cardiacsense.com/news/csf-3-medical-watch-receives-ce-marking-and-fda-clearance [5] https://www.huawei.com/consumer/en/news/releases/2023/watch-d2-announcement [6] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-watch-series-10-announcement/ [7] https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/wearables/exynos-w1000/ [8] https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-unveils-exynos-w1000-the-worlds-first-3nm-process-based-mobile-application-processor-for-wearables-at-ces-2025
- These technological advancements in smartwatches are facilitated through extensive collaboration between industry titans like Apple, Samsung, and Garmin, utilizing cutting-edge tools such as MicroLED displays, AI, and glucose sensors.
- The latest innovations in smartwatch technology foster a shift from passive tracking to active health partnership, with tools like ECG and oxygen monitoring being integrated into smaller devices like smart rings.
- The CSF-3 Medical Watch, a prime example of evolution in smartwatch technology, uses software and hardware innovations to deliver hospital-grade health monitoring from the wrist.
- The Huawei Watch D2 is pioneering consumer smartwatch technology with its 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring capabilities enabled by TruSense and high-precision optical sensors.
- The wearables market expansion includes Samsung's smartwatch chip, the Exynos W1000, built on a 3nm process, providing enhanced power efficiency and faster performance.
- The Apple Watch Series 10 highlights the integration of AI to detect sleep apnea, using an AI model that analyzes breathing irregularities during sleep.
- The Watch D2's distinguishing feature lies in a miniaturized airbag and pump integrated into its strap, enhancing its smartwatch technology innovation.
- PulseSpeed, developed by CSEM in 2025, is a game-changing algorithm that allows smartwatches to accurately track heart rate, activity, and distance without relying on GPS, using a low-power, on-device AI processing approach.
- The evolution in smartwatch technology is combined with portfolio diversification, as more companies offer health-focused wearables like smart rings and lightweight AR glasses with AR capabilities.
- The integration of artificial intelligence and innovative technology in smartwatch accessories continues to redefine the landscape, positioning these devices as irreplaceable tools for personal health management in the cloud era.
