FDA Approves Sleep Apnea Detection Tool for Apple Watch

Shortly after Apple introduced its latest iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPod models, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new function for the Apple Watch that detects sleep apnea in users. This innovative feature is launching just days before the release of the new Series 10 watch, set to debut on September 20. Users of the existing Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 can already access the sleep apnea feature by downloading the newly released watchOS 11 software.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night, which can lead to feelings of fatigue upon waking. If left unrecognized, it can potentially cause serious health issues, including heart problems. The condition affects an estimated 1 billion people globally, according to various health organizations, including the American Heart Association, and is frequently undiagnosed. Loud snoring is often one of its noticeable symptoms.

The FDA’s approval indicates that while the Apple Watch’s sleep apnea detection feature can assess the risk of sleep apnea, it should not be viewed as a diagnostic tool. Apple describes this new health capability, known as Breathing Disturbances, as functioning like an “intelligent guardian for users’ health.” This feature employs the device’s accelerometer to track small wrist movements that correspond with irregular breathing patterns during sleep.

Every 30 days, the Apple Watch analyzes data related to breathing disturbances. If a user displays consistent patterns of sleep interruptions, they will receive an alert advising them to consult a physician for potential diagnosis of sleep apnea. This proactive measure allows for earlier intervention and management of the condition.

Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, a professor of medicine at the University of Arizona and director of the Health Sciences Center for Sleep, remarked on the significance of this development. “Empowering consumers to reliably identify the presence of abnormal breathing patterns during sleep can help uncover a woefully underdiagnosed and serious medical condition such as sleep apnea,” he stated. “This is a major step forward in improving public health.”

The FDA’s recent endorsement of the Apple Watch’s sleep apnea detection feature follows the approval of Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 as over-the-counter hearing aids aimed at individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. This indicates Apple’s growing footprint in the health technology market. Hearing specialists have welcomed the agency’s approval of these earbuds, seeing it as a positive movement for the over-the-counter hearing aids sector, which serves approximately 30 million Americans experiencing mild to moderate hearing issues.

Altogether, these advancements signal a broader trend in the integration of health monitoring functions within consumer technology. As more individuals turn to wearables like smartwatches for health management, devices that can accurately assess health risks may play an essential role in early diagnosis and preventive measures.

The introduction of both the sleep apnea detection feature and the AirPods Pro 2 as affordable hearing aids underscores Apple’s commitment to enhancing user health and well-being through technology. With its continuously evolving capabilities, the Apple Watch is positioned not merely as a productivity tool but as a vital resource for personal health management.

This move by Apple reflects a growing recognition in the tech industry that consumer devices can play a significant role in health management. As monitoring features become more accurate and accessible, it is intended to inspire users to take charge of their health and seek medical advice when necessary. The future of healthcare technology is here, and it is being delivered right to users’ wrists.

Source: CBS News