FDA Certifies Apple Watch for Sleep Apnea Detection

The healthcare technology industry is getting a boost as Apple earns FDA certification for sleep apnea detection on its Apple Watch. Building on the FDA authorization of the AirPods Pro 2’s Hearing Aid mode last week, Apple Watch takes the next step in medical wearable innovation.

Sleep Apnea Detection for Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2

The certified feature will be available on the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 models. The Series 10 will hit stores on September 20. The update is part of watchOS 11, which is set to launch today. Apple Watch owners can soon gain valuable insights into their sleep patterns, detecting signs of sleep apnea, which can have severe effects on overall health.

How the Feature Works

To access the feature, users will need to enable it and provide the watch with at least ten nights of sleep tracking data over a 30-day period. This data will be used to determine if there’s a likelihood of sleep apnea. Once detected, the Apple Watch will prompt users to seek a formal diagnosis from a healthcare provider. Sleep apnea can lead to chronic issues like insomnia, headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

A Key Milestone in Healthcare Innovation

Apple’s sleep apnea detection feature for the Apple Watch is a significant breakthrough in the fight against this often-overlooked medical condition. As a comparison, Samsung earlier this year received FDA approval for its sleep apnea detection feature on Galaxy Watches. Apple’s achievement serves as a testament to its commitment to empowering users to take control of their health through wearable technology.

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