FDA Approval: Apple Watch Sleep Apnea Detection
The FDA has approved sleep apnea detection for the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2, ahead of the Series 10 release on September 20. This feature, part of the upcoming watchOS 11, analyzes sleep data over 10 nights within 30 days to assess potential sleep apnea risks. While not a diagnostic tool, it encourages users to seek formal evaluation from healthcare providers.
Sleep apnea, associated with symptoms like insomnia and daytime sleepiness, is a common condition. Apple follows competitors like Withings and Samsung, which have also introduced similar features. Additionally, blood oxygen detection remains disabled on U.S. Apple Watches due to a patent dispute.