In a groundbreaking move for wearable technology, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the sleep apnea detection feature for the highly anticipated Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2. This exciting announcement came just days before the Series 10 is set to launch on September 20.

Revealed during last week’s iPhone 16 launch event, the sleep apnea detection feature will be included in the forthcoming watchOS 11 update. Users will need to track their sleep for 10 nights over a 30-day period in order for the device to assess potential sleep apnea risks. During this tracking period, the watch will also collect data on nightly disruptions using its advanced accelerometer technology.

However, it's important to note that the FDA classifies this feature as an "over-the-counter device to assess risk of sleep apnea." Apple has clarified that this is not intended as a diagnostic tool; instead, it aims to encourage users to consult healthcare professionals for a formal diagnosis. Sleep apnea, a serious condition that results in interrupted breathing during sleep, can lead to a range of troubling symptoms, including insomnia, chronic headaches, excessive daytime fatigue, and more severe health issues if left untreated.

While Apple is breaking new ground with this innovation, they are not the first to venture into this territory. Withings has been providing sleep apnea detection on their devices for quite some time, and Samsung's Galaxy Watch line also recently received FDA approval for similar capabilities.

As sleep apnea affects a significant portion of the adult population, advancements such as this may pave the way for improved health monitoring and awareness. Experts urge users to take these features seriously and recommend ongoing conversations with healthcare providers regarding sleep health.

With Apple leading the charge, this approval could revolutionize how we understand and manage sleep disorders. Are you ready to embrace the new era of health technology?