Key Takeaways
- Apple has received FDA approval for the sleep apnea detection feature on the newest version of the software for its smartwatches.
- The feature will monitor overnight breathing to detect potential sleep apnea, as experts say millions of adults live with undiagnosed sleep apnea.
- The tech giant last week received FDA approval for its newest AirPods to perform clinical grade hearing tests and act as hearing aids.
Apple (AAPL) has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all of its newest range of health features for its smart devices, which were announced during last week’s launch event that also included the new iPhone 16.
The approval is for the sleep apnea detection feature in Apple’s watchOS 11, the newest version of the software that runs its smartwatches and launches Monday. The sleep apnea feature will be usable on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, along with the Series 10 that was announced during last week’s event.
The feature will monitor the movement of a user’s arm for “small movements at the wrist during sleep that are associated with interruptions in normal respiratory patterns,” as disruptions to breathing while asleep are the main symptom of sleep apnea, Apple said. The feature will monitor the movements on a monthly basis, and notify the user if it detects signs of potential sleep apnea, with information that can be taken to a medical professional to determine if a sleep apnea diagnosis is accurate.
Tech Giants Joining Health Push
Earlier this year, Apple’s rival Samsung received FDA approval for its Galaxy Watch sleep apnea detection feature.
Last week, the FDA approved the first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid software device for use in Apple AirPods Pro.
Apple stock was down 3% at $215.82 Monday afternoon, as analyst reports about disappointing pre-order data for the iPhone 16 weighed on the tech giant’s shares.