While the new Apple Watch 10’s larger screen was the most impressive of the Apple Watch features announced at today’s iPhone launch event, the new sleep apnea detection feature may be the most valuable addition. It’s not just a feature exclusive to the latest and greatest Apple Watches, as the new feature should soon work on last year’s Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 as well.
The sleep apnea detection feature uses an accelerometer to detect interruptions in breathing during the night and alerts you to potential interruptions with a watch notification. But the new feature is still pending FDA approval, Apple’s Jeff Williams said during a livestreamed event. Apple expects FDA approval “very soon,” and the feature will be available in 150 countries later this month.
The sleep apnea detection feature uses an accelerometer to detect interruptions in breathing while you sleep.
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Apple’s efforts on sleep apnea are similar to those of Samsung, which already has its own apnea detection feature on its watches.
Not needing a new watch to diagnose possible sleep apnea is a nice bonus, but I also wonder how useful and accurate the feature will be. As someone with sleep apnea who also uses CPAP, I have had to take sleep tests with a pulmonologist to determine the severity of my apnea. Apple’s detection feature seems like a way to encourage people who may not have even thought about apnea to see a sleep specialist (I did because of my high blood pressure). Apnea is not necessarily a condition you know you have, but it requires you to wear your Apple Watch to bed. I don’t do that often, and many people don’t.
The sleep apnea detection feature shares the results with your Apple Watch.
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