Mon Sep 16 15:46:18 UTC 2024: ## Apple Watch Gets FDA Approval for Sleep Apnea Detection

**Cupertino, CA -** The Apple Watch has received FDA approval for its sleep apnea detection feature, paving the way for the device to be used as a tool to help identify potential cases of the condition. This feature is available on the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

The FDA approval follows a recent trend of approving Apple products as over-the-counter medical devices. Just last month, the company’s AirPods Pro 2 received FDA approval for use as hearing aids.

Apple’s sleep apnea detection feature uses the watch’s accelerometer to monitor wrist movements associated with disrupted breathing patterns. If these disruptions occur frequently, the device can classify them as “elevated” and display the data in the “nightly Breathing Disturbances” log within the iPhone’s Health app.

Apple emphasizes that this feature is not a replacement for professional medical devices used for diagnosis and treatment. It is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults aged 18 and older who have not been previously diagnosed with the condition.

Samsung has also received FDA approval for sleep apnea detection on its Galaxy Watch devices, showcasing a growing trend of using smartwatches for health monitoring.

With the FDA approval, Apple is expected to actively promote this feature, offering users a convenient and accessible way to monitor their sleep patterns and potentially identify potential sleep apnea issues.

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