Apple is pushing the boundaries of health technology with its latest updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2, now featuring tools to monitor sleep apnea and hearing health. These updates aim to provide users with better tools for managing their well-being while maintaining Apple’s focus on user privacy.
Apple Watch: Sleep Apnea Detection with Breathing Disturbances Metric
The standout update is the Apple Watch’s new ability to detect sleep apnea, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The watch now uses an advanced Breathing Disturbances metric to monitor subtle wrist movements associated with breathing disruptions during sleep. Over a 30-day period, it collects data and alerts users when it detects consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea. This feature could help users identify underdiagnosed sleep conditions early and prompt them to seek medical advice and treatment.
The metric integrates seamlessly with the Health app, enabling users to track and export data to share with healthcare providers. This could lead to earlier intervention and improved health outcomes, especially for those unaware of their sleep issues.
AirPods Pro 2: Enhanced Hearing Protection and Clinical-Grade Hearing Test
On the hearing health front, AirPods Pro 2 are redefining what it means to combine luxury with accessibility. AirPods Pro 2 A introduces several cutting-edge features aimed at protecting and improving hearing. The earbuds actively protect hearing by reducing harmful environmental noise while preserving media sound quality. Users can perform a pure-tone audiometry test—a standard hearing evaluation—directly from their iPhone or iPad. The results, stored privately in the Health app, include an audiogram that users can share with audiologists for further analysis.
Additionally, AirPods Pro 2 offers an over-the-counter hearing aid feature, providing an affordable and accessible solution for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. Powered by clinically validated software, this feature offers customizable hearing assistance and helps users manage their hearing health without purchasing traditional hearing aids.
Apple’s Commitment to Health and Privacy
Apple remains committed to privacy, ensuring that all health data collected via these devices is encrypted and secure. These new features reflect the company’s vision to make healthcare more accessible by using wearable devices to address significant public health concerns like sleep apnea and hearing loss.
With these advancements, Apple aims to transform how users monitor and manage critical aspects of their health, underscoring technology’s role in enhancing quality of life.
Global Availability
Apple will roll out these features globally, with sleep apnea detection becoming available in over 150 countries, including the U.S. and Europe, later this year. The hearing health features, including the hearing test and protection options, will launch this fall in over 100 countries.
These updates represent a significant leap in wearable health technology, offering consumers powerful tools to address critical health conditions directly from their wrists and ears. Apple’s innovations in health reinforce its role as a leader in integrating technology with personalized healthcare.