Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is the first to offer a new sleep apnea feature – and that's a major bonus

Samsung's latest smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, unveiled during Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024, have introduced a new feature that not many are talking about - sleep apnea detection. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person's airways are obstructed during sleep, impacting their oxygen intake and potentially leading to serious health problems such as heart issues, liver complications, and fatigue. Detecting sleep apnea early on is crucial, and Samsung's new smartwatches aim to achieve just that.

The sleep apnea detection feature utilizes Samsung's blood oxygen sensor integrated into the watches, working through the Samsung Health Monitor app. By wearing the watch for at least four hours of sleep over a ten-day period, the feature can regularly measure oxygen levels and identify the presence of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It's worth noting that while this feature has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration, it is not a definitive diagnosis but rather an indication for users to seek professional medical advice from a doctor.

Currently, the sleep apnea detection feature is primarily available on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7, but there are indications that it may expand to older models as well. Samsung's next operating system update, One UI Watch 6, is reported to bring this feature to older Galaxy Watches like the Watch 4, Watch 5, and Watch 6. A Reddit user in the One UI Watch 6 beta program shared a screenshot of the Samsung Health Monitor app before the new watches were announced, suggesting that watches equipped with blood oxygen sensors, regardless of model, could receive this feature.

As we continue to explore the innovative features and advancements of Samsung's latest smartwatches, the sleep apnea detection capabilities stand out as a valuable addition. With its ability to provide early indications of sleep apnea, users can take proactive steps towards better sleep health and overall well-being. Samsung's commitment to obtaining FDA clearance highlights their dedication to delivering accurate and reliable features that can positively impact users' lives when paired with professional medical guidance.