The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for Apple Watch’s sleep apnea detection function, just days before the tech giant’s new Series 10 model hits stores on September 20. Existing Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 users can access the feature immediately by updating to the newly released watchOS 11 software.
Sleep apnea, a condition affecting an estimated 1 billion people globally, causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often leading to fatigue and, in severe cases, heart complications. Loud snoring is a common symptom, yet the disorder frequently goes undiagnosed, according to health organizations like the American Heart Association.
How the Feature Works
Apple clarified that the tool is not a diagnostic device but rather an over-the-counter health metric designed to assess users’ risk of sleep apnea. Dubbed “Breathing Disturbances,” the feature uses the watch’s accelerometer to detect abnormal wrist movements linked to disrupted breathing patterns during sleep. Every 30 days, the system analyzes collected data and alerts users with persistent irregularities to seek medical evaluation.
“This innovation empowers people to identify abnormal breathing patterns early, addressing a severely underdiagnosed but serious condition,” said Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, a sleep medicine expert at the University of Arizona. “It represents a significant advancement in public health.”
Apple’s Expanding Role in Health Tech
The FDA’s approval follows its recent clearance of AirPods Pro 2 as over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, reinforcing Apple’s growing influence in the health technology sector. Hearing professionals have welcomed the move, which could benefit millions of Americans with untreated hearing impairments.
With these developments, Apple continues to bridge the gap between consumer electronics and medical technology, offering accessible tools for early detection of critical health issues.
