Huawei’s Watch D2: Medical-Focused Smartwatches

Huawei participates in its first-ever medical event to present the Watch D2, released to the market last month. The Watch D2 combines advanced health monitoring, like blood pressure and ECG, with smartwatch convenience for wellness-focused users.

On the opening day of MEDICA, we headed to Huawei’s stand to see the latest model in its wearable lineup, the Huawei Watch D2. This smartwatch combines advanced health-tracking technology with a sophisticated design. The new version of this watch offers enhanced functionality over its predecessor, launched in 2022, particularly in health monitoring features.  Still, both models are medical-grade certified.

The Watch D2 can measure ambulatory blood pressure and supports ECG monitoring. It’s a powerful tool for users focused on health and wellness. The smartwatch also tracks sleep quality and promotes better breathing awareness.

In our interview with Andreas Zimmer at MEDICA, he explained that Huawei’s entry into health-centered smartwatches was largely driven by the company’s global reach and the highly competitive wearables market. Huawei recognized the need to differentiate its products and saw health monitoring as a key area with global significance. High blood pressure, for example, affects about 30% of the world’s population, making it one of the most pressing health concerns globally.

High blood pressure affects about 30% of the world’s population, making it one of the most pressing health concerns globally.

Given this insight, Huawei invested heavily in research and development to create smartwatches capable of blood pressure monitoring and ECG measurements. This decision aligns with Huawei’s broader strategy to blend connected device convenience—like fitness tracking and communication functions—with robust health features. By tackling widespread health issues such as hypertension, Huawei aims to deliver meaningful health benefits through accessible technology, positioning its devices as practical tools for everyday health management

Medical Certifications and Accuracy

MedicalExpo e-Magazine: Could you provide more information on the specific medical certifications that the Huawei Watch D2 holds?  

Andreas Zimmer: Yes, the Watch D2 is medically certified, especially in terms of its blood pressure and ECG measurement features. This smartwatch series has received CE MDR certification, meaning it meets the rigorous standards for medical devices in Europe. Notably, this second-generation model includes ambulatory blood pressure measurement, a new capability in the lineup, also certified as medically accurate, making it a groundbreaking addition to Huawei’s health-focused wearables.

MedicalExpo e-Magazine: How does the Watch D2 ensure high accuracy in measuring blood pressure and ECG readings? 

Andreas Zimmer: The Watch D2 meets the high accuracy standards required for medical certification. Specifically, its blood pressure measurement accuracy is within a tolerance of plus or minus three millimeters of mercury, comparable to standard blood pressure monitors. Extensive development, including clinical trials, has ensured its precision, with data from trials conducted by medical professionals underscoring its reliability.

Collecting Health Data via the Watch D2

MedicalExpo e-Magazine: Is the health data collected by the watch accessible in formats compatible with electronic health record (EHR) systems or other medical data platforms? Can it be integrated directly into healthcare providers’ databases?  

Andreas Zimmer: The Watch D2 provides health data in standardized formats. Users can export the blood pressure data as a PDF report, including detailed insights such as systolic and diastolic values, heart rate, and sleep metrics. This report format, similar to that used for Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), can be shared easily, including through digital means like WhatsApp, allowing flexibility in data sharing with healthcare providers.

It facilitates remote health monitoring by generating shareable reports that patients can forward to their healthcare providers. However, real-time data streaming is not indicated as a feature. For safety, Huawei emphasizes the need for medical professionals to manage and interpret the data.

MedicalExpo e-Magazine: What guidance does Huawei provide users to ensure the accuracy of blood pressure and ECG measurements, especially for those who might use the device for regular monitoring of chronic conditions?  

Andreas Zimmer: Huawei emphasizes ease of use and has designed the Watch D2 to be intuitive while still maintaining accuracy. Users are advised to wear the watch properly and to consult healthcare professionals for interpretation and verification of readings, especially for chronic monitoring. The user-friendly interface, with a touchscreen and crown for easy navigation, ensures that users can quickly access measurement features.

MedicalExpo e-Magazine: Are there any known limitations or contraindications in using it for specific patient groups (e.g., individuals with arrhythmias or certain cardiovascular conditions)?  

Andreas Zimmer: As with any medical device, the Watch D2 includes disclaimers advising that users consult with healthcare professionals, especially if they have pre-existing conditions. While it is designed to assist in health monitoring, Huawei cautions against self-diagnosis and self-treatment based solely on smartwatch data. It is available to the general public, though certain limitations apply, as with any health-centric consumer device.

Health-monitoring Features and Market Targets

MedicalExpo e-Magazine: Is Huawei planning to release additional health-monitoring features?  

Andreas Zimmer: Huawei is continuously exploring potential improvements to its health monitoring capabilities. While the Watch D2 is the latest and most advanced in Huawei’s lineup, Huawei remains open to integrating feedback, especially from medical professionals. The recent debut of the Watch D2 in medical contexts is partly to assess such feedback for future development. Huawei is keen on enhancing the functionality of its wearable devices to address global health needs further.

MedicalExpo e-Magazine: Who does Huawei consider the primary market for the Watch D2, and what role do healthcare professionals play in promoting its adoption?

Andreas Zimmer: Huawei developed the Watch D2 with a consumer focus, but it has also garnered significant interest from healthcare professionals, who see its potential for patient use. This interest encouraged Huawei to bring the Watch D2 to a medical-focused audience, including healthcare conferences, to explore potential applications in medical settings. Huawei sees this engagement as a valuable way to receive input from medical professionals and assess its impact beyond its original consumer target​.

MedicalExpo e-Magazine: In such a competitive wearable technology market, what differentiates the Watch D2 from other health-focused devices?

Andreas Zimmer: By integrating these capabilities into a consumer-friendly smartwatch, Huawei positions the WATCH D2 as an accessible, all-in-one health monitoring solution that stands out among the many wearables focused primarily on fitness​.

MedicalExpo e-Magazine: Does Huawei envision partnerships or collaborations to further integrate the Watch D2 into healthcare systems?

Andreas Zimmer: Huawei is open to exploring partnerships that could make the Watch D2 a more integral part of healthcare delivery. Although it’s currently a consumer product, Huawei welcomes discussions with healthcare providers to explore how the Watch D2 might be used as a complementary tool in patient care. The Watch D2’s potential for enhancing accessible, non-invasive health monitoring aligns well with the growing interest of medical professionals who seek innovative tools to fill gaps in patient care​.