At its recent “It’s Glowtime,” event, Apple unveiled a suite of exciting new features for its wearable devices, with a standout addition being the sleep apnea detection capability for the Apple Watch. This new feature is set to be available on the Apple Watch Series 10, as well as the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. Although still awaiting FDA clearance, Apple anticipates receiving approval shortly and plans to launch the feature in over 150 countries this month.
Sleep apnea is a significant health concern affecting millions globally, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to insufficient oxygen intake. The condition can contribute to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Despite its prevalence, many individuals remain undiagnosed, making the introduction of sleep apnea detection on the Apple Watch a notable advancement in wearable health technology.
The new Apple Watch feature utilizes the device’s accelerometer to monitor a novel metric known as “breathing disturbances.” This technology tracks subtle movements at the wrist linked to interruptions in normal breathing patterns during sleep. Over a 30-day period, the watch analyzes this data and provides notifications if signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea are detected. Users can review their nightly metrics and detailed reports through the Health app and share this information with their healthcare providers.
Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s Vice President of Health, highlighted the significance of this advancement, emphasizing that the detection algorithm was developed using sophisticated machine learning techniques and validated through an extensive clinical study. This feature represents a major leap forward in wearable health technology, potentially enabling early detection of a condition that often goes unnoticed until it leads to more severe health problems.
In addition to sleep apnea detection, Apple is enhancing its health monitoring capabilities across its devices. The Apple Watch Series 10 continues to support existing health features such as atrial fibrillation notifications and medication tracking, while also introducing new metrics and improvements. The watch’s upgraded S10 chip, larger display, and advanced health sensors contribute to its growing role in personal health management.
Alongside the Apple Watch updates, Apple is also expanding its health offerings for the AirPods Pro 2. New features include hearing protection capabilities and an over-the-counter hearing aid function. The AirPods Pro 2 will allow users to conduct a hearing test at home and receive a personalized hearing profile, further integrating Apple’s ecosystem into personal health management.
