Sleep Apnea identification is an innovative development introduced with the Apple Watch Series 10. This feature employs the accelerometer for detecting wrist motions corresponding to breathing disturbances. This data is new an algorithm handles it, and the users can be informed of signs of sleep apnea.
However, it is notable that Sleep Apnea detection is not limited to the Watch Series 10. Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 users of the older model will also be privileged. This inclusiveness further goes ahead to improve the worth of the health monitoring proposition of Apple’s ecosystem.
Sleep Apnea Detection on Apple Watch Series 10 Delayed for Malaysia
Sadly, Sleep Apnea detection will not be possible as it is in Malaysia at the moment either. Apple finally came out to confirm that the feature is yet to be approved by local authorities. As such, users in Malaysia may have to wait for this feature to be introduced by the authorities.
The Medical Device Authority under the Ministry of Health in Singapore has yet to approve the latest patent for which Apple had made its request. But they have not yet been responded to on this feature. The approval process for features related to patients and/or diseases could sometimes take time.
This is similar to Apple’s ECG tool release, where the option started as a beta feature in certain regions and countries. The ECG feature was introduced three years before it became available for use in Malaysia. One is that regulatory approvals play a critical role in determining when and how these features will be offered to consumers.
On a positive note, the Sleep Apnea detection feature has been approved by the US FDA recently. It indicates its availability in the US for Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, and Watch Ultra 2 models as mentioned above. This rollout has been made easier through software updates in the US.
Although, the detection of Sleep Apnea may be late technological advancements such as blood oxygen monitoring are available in Malaysia. A particularly intriguing feature is that this option is unavailable in the US at the moment because of some legal issues. Masimo accuses Apple of patent infringement on pulse oximeter technology that impacts the latter.
