Apple has released a software update for Apple Watch users, introducing a new sleep apnea detection feature. The functionality is available on Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE 3 models for users aged 18 and older who have not been previously diagnosed with the condition.
The feature utilizes the device's accelerometer to track subtle wrist movements during sleep, calculating a respiratory disturbance index. It requires at least 10 nights of data over a 30-day period to generate an assessment. If the index shows consistent elevation, the system notifies the user of potential sleep apnea signs.
The algorithm was validated using over 11,000 nights of clinical data, comparing watch performance against hospital-grade polysomnography and home sleep apnea tests. Clinical trials involving nearly 1,500 participants showed a sensitivity of 66.3% and a specificity of 98.5%.
Apple emphasizes that this tool is for risk notification only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Data is encrypted on the device, and users can export their respiratory disturbance reports as PDF files to share with healthcare providers.
