Yesterday, Apple unveiled its new AirPods, Apple Watches, and iPhones. With its latest products, the company introduced Galaxy AI-like features under the Apple Intelligence branding. It followed Samsung in bringing the Sleep Apnea Detection feature to the Apple Watch. Several Galaxy Watches already have this feature.
Apple Watches follow Galaxy Watches for Sleep Apnea Detection
Apple announced the Sleep Apnea Detection feature for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10. Sleep Apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing temporarily, which causes restless sleep and tiredness the next day. Its long-term effects are linked to cardiovascular disorders.
Sleep Apnea Detection could be a lifesaver in some cases. At least, it can notify users if they are suffering from Sleep Apnea so they can get professional help. This Apple Watch feature hasn't yet received the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certification. However, Samsung's Galaxy Watches have already received De Novo certification from the FDA for Sleep Apnea Detection.
So, in this regard, Samsung seems one step ahead of Apple, which is a good thing to see. All Galaxy Watches running Wear OS will get the Sleep Apnea Detection feature with the One UI Watch 6 update in the next few days. These smartwatches include the following:
- Galaxy Watch 4
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
- Galaxy Watch 5
- Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
- Galaxy Watch 6
- Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
- Galaxy Watch 7
- Galaxy Watch Ultra
Watch the Galaxy Watch 7 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra and their comparison in our video below.
The way Apple and Samsung detect Sleep Apnea is not the same. Samsung is using data from the SpO2 sensor and a paired Galaxy smartphone to detect signs of Sleep Apnea, while Apple is using data from the accelerometer in the Apple Watch to do the same. So, it remains to be seen which method is more accurate and reliable.