Patna: Apple has announced a set of new health-focused features for its devices, including sleep apnea notifications for the Apple Watch and a built-in hearing test for AirPods Pro.
The company said the updates are designed to help users identify possible health issues earlier through long-term monitoring and data analysis. Apple added that the features are not intended to replace medical diagnosis or professional healthcare advice.
Apple Watch To Monitor Breathing Patterns
The new Sleep Apnea Notifications feature will allow the Apple Watch to track users’ breathing patterns during sleep. According to Apple, the watch uses sensors and accelerometers to monitor subtle wrist movements associated with breathing activity.
The device will generate a metric called “Breathing Disturbances”, which measures irregular breathing patterns during sleep. Apple said the watch will analyse data collected over approximately 30 days to determine whether the user may be showing signs consistent with sleep apnea.
If repeated irregularities are detected, users will receive a notification encouraging them to consult a medical professional.
Access To Sleep Reports And Trends
Apple said users will be able to review nightly breathing data, as well as monthly and yearly trends, through the Apple Health app.
The app will also allow users to export their data as a PDF report, which can be shared with doctors or sleep specialists. In addition, Apple plans to include educational material and guidance related to sleep apnea within the app.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Medical experts associate untreated sleep apnea with long-term health risks, including cardiovascular complications and fatigue-related issues.
AirPods Pro To Offer Clinical-Grade Hearing Test
Apple has also announced a Hearing Test feature for AirPods Pro, using pure-tone audiometry technology commonly used in clinical hearing assessments.
During the test, users will hear tones at different frequencies through the AirPods. The process is expected to take around five minutes and will generate hearing scores for each ear.
Apple said users will receive a hearing classification, personalised recommendations and a detailed audiogram after completing the assessment.
The company confirmed that the feature will be available on the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 models.
Growing Focus On Digital Health
The announcements reflect Apple’s broader strategy of positioning its consumer devices as health-monitoring tools alongside their conventional functions.
Technology companies including Samsung and Google have also expanded health-tracking capabilities across their wearable products in recent years.
Apple said its advantage lies in long-term data tracking, integrated reporting and the connectivity between devices and the Apple Health ecosystem.
The company has increasingly introduced features related to heart health, fitness tracking, hearing protection and sleep monitoring as part of its wearable technology portfolio.
