Apple Watch: sleep apnea detection feature receives FDA certification.

September 17, 2024

The FDA recently granted certification for the sleep apnea detection feature on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, with the inclusion of this feature in watchOS 11.

This new feature is an important addition to the health monitoring capabilities of Apple Watch, as it aims to detect sleep apnea, a condition that can have serious health consequences if not diagnosed and treated early.

The function requires the collection of sleep data for at least ten nights over a 30-day period in order to analyse whether there is evidence of sleep apnoea.

The device will then suggest that the user seek a formal diagnosis from a doctor if it detects signs of sleep apnoea. This is an important step in the prevention and management of this condition, which is often linked to other serious conditions such as cardiovascular problems and hypertension.

The launch of Apple Watch Series 10 on September 20 and the availability of this new feature through watchOS 11 will bring even more health monitoring options to Apple users.

At the same time, Samsung was ahead in approving the sleep apnea detection feature in Galaxy Watch earlier in 2024, showing that health monitoring technology through smart watches is rapidly evolving.

With this development, users of the new Apple Watch will have access to a powerful sleep monitoring tool that can help in the early detection of major health problems.