Sep 16, 2024 - Technology

Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval

Angrej Singh

Sleep apnea notifications come to Apple Watch, further expanding its capabilities as an intelligent guardian for users’ health. — Image: Courtesy of Apple

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved Apple's new sleep apnea detection feature for use on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2.

Why it matters: The feature allows the watch's accelerometer to automatically detect signs of sleep apnea in the wearer — making it possible for this widely available device to help identify the condition.

Zoom in: Most cases of sleep apnea remain undiagnosed and affect around 30 million people in the U.S., according to the American Medical Association.

How it works: Apple's system for detecting breathing disturbances during sleep uses the watch's accelerometer "to detect small movements at the wrist associated with interruptions to normal respiratory patterns during sleep," Axios' Ina Fried reports.

Apple says that every 30 days, the watch will analyze that data and notify people if it detects consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea. Users can then download data that can be shared with a doctor to determine what treatment might be appropriate.

More from Axios:

Add Axios on Google

Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval

What to read next