Apple unveils new devices with new health features

Apple has once again pushed the boundaries of health technology with the introduction of new features for the Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2. Designed to tackle critical health issues, these new capabilities aim to provide users with enhanced tools for monitoring sleep apnea and managing hearing health.

By combining advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms, and clinically validated tests, Apple is making significant strides in supporting users' well-being worldwide.

How does it work?

Apple Watch now features sleep apnea notifications through a new "Breathing Disturbances" metric that detects subtle wrist movements indicating disruptions in breathing patterns during sleep. Using this data, the watch can notify users of potential moderate to severe sleep apnea, prompting them to seek medical consultation. This algorithm was validated in a clinical study that confirmed its ability to detect at least mild sleep apnea in all participants identified.

For hearing health, the AirPods Pro 2 introduces the world's first all-in-one experience, offering active Hearing Protection, a clinical-grade Hearing Test, and an over-the-counter Hearing Aid. These features leverage Apple's sophisticated technology to reduce loud noise exposure, provide accurate hearing assessments, and offer accessible hearing assistance. With just a few taps, users can conduct a hearing test at home, and the AirPods Pro 2 dynamically adjusts sound to improve speech clarity and environmental awareness.

Why does it matter?

Sleep apnea and hearing loss affect billions of people globally, often remaining undiagnosed or untreated due to the lack of accessible tools. By integrating sleep and hearing health features into everyday devices, Apple is empowering users to take control of their health proactively.

"Empowering consumers everywhere to reliably identify abnormal breathing patterns during sleep can help uncover a woefully underdiagnosed and serious medical condition such as sleep apnea," notes Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy from the University of Arizona.

Similarly, with hearing health, Rick Neitzel from the University of Michigan highlights, "Protecting and preserving our hearing enhances our quality of life both in the short-term and long-term."

These new tools provide critical insights and enable users to have more informed conversations with healthcare providers, potentially preventing severe health complications. With the addition of features such as the over-the-counter Hearing Aid in AirPods Pro 2, Apple is also making hearing assistance more affordable and accessible, addressing a significant gap in global healthcare.

The context

Sleep apnea, a condition affecting over 1 billion people worldwide, often goes undiagnosed, increasing the risk of severe health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. By introducing sleep apnea notifications on the Apple Watch, Apple addresses a critical gap in early detection and user awareness.

Similarly, hearing loss is a widespread issue that affects 1.5 billion people globally and is linked to social isolation, dementia, and other health complications. The lack of accessible, affordable solutions has left many without the support they need. The new hearing health features in AirPods Pro 2 are based on data from the Apple Hearing Study, which showed that a significant number of people with hearing loss have not received adequate assistance. Apple's approach — integrating health tools into popular consumer devices — aims to bridge this gap and promote better overall health.

By embedding advanced health capabilities into everyday wearables, Apple continues its mission to make technology an integral part of a healthier lifestyle while ensuring that privacy remains a cornerstone.

"For decades, Apple has led the way in designing products for everyone," says Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, underscoring the company's commitment to innovation in health technology.

Availability

The new sleep apnea notifications on Apple Watch are expected to receive marketing authorization from the FDA and other global health authorities, with availability slated for this month in more than 150 countries, including the U.S., EU, and Japan. The feature will be supported on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features for AirPods Pro 2 are also expected to receive marketing authorization soon and will be available this fall in over 100 countries, such as the U.S., Germany, and Japan. The Hearing Protection feature will be available in the fall of 2024 and will work with AirPods Pro 2 paired with compatible devices running the latest operating systems.