Samsung Introduces Sleep Apnea Monitoring Feature on Galaxy Watches and Ring Devices
Rushil Agrawal / Android Authority
Galaxy Watch 9 (L) next to a Watch 7 (R)
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Summary
- Samsung is introducing an enhanced sleep apnea detection feature for the Galaxy Watch 9, Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and Galaxy Ring, starting in the US and South Korea.
- The new functionality monitors blood oxygen levels and breathing disturbances across two sleep sessions in a 10-day window, providing a detailed assessment of severity rather than a simple yes/no outcome.
- The Galaxy Ring is now the first commercially available smart ring with regulatory approval for sleep apnea monitoring, with updates planned for Galaxy Watch 7 and 8 later.
Samsung has launched an updated sleep apnea detection feature for its wearable devices, starting with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and extending to the Galaxy Ring. This enhanced capability allows Samsung to offer a more comprehensive view of overnight breathing patterns, turning basic tracking into meaningful health insights.
The rollout comes after receiving regulatory approval from both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). This clearance enables Samsung to update its sleep apnea detection features in these key markets through the Samsung Health Monitor application.
The updated sleep apnea detection system does not simply provide a yes or no answer. Instead, it evaluates vital signs over a period of two sleep sessions within a 10-day timeframe. This feature tracks variations in blood oxygen and breathing interruptions to identify moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, allowing users to present this detailed information to their healthcare providers.
While the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are the initial recipients of this upgrade, Samsung has plans to extend the new feature to earlier models, such as the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch 8, in forthcoming firmware updates.
For those using the Galaxy Ring, this update is particularly significant as it is the first smart ring to receive regulatory authorization for sleep apnea monitoring. Many users prefer not to wear smartwatches while sleeping, making the availability of this feature on a lightweight ring a more practical option for comprehensive sleep tracking.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
Lightweight • Gemini • Bigger battery • Snapdragon Wear Elite
The Galaxy Watch 9 enhances comfort and efficiency with a lighter aluminum build, an improved battery, and the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. The integration of AI-driven health features and Gemini’s Raise to Talk functionality further elevates its capabilities as an everyday companion.
