Apple continues to revolutionise the tech industry, not only with its AI advancements but also through its health-related features. At its recent “Glowtime” iPhone event, the spotlight was on the Apple Intelligence AI platform, yet the unveiling of two significant health features highlights Apple’s enduring commitment to improving users’ health. This strategic expansion into healthcare is poised to be just as critical for retaining customers as its AI innovations.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, has long stressed that Apple’s most significant contribution to humanity will be in the realm of health. This vision has gradually materialised over the years, and with its latest updates, Apple is positioning itself as a serious player in the healthcare sector. The introduction of health-focused updates to some of its most popular products—the AirPods Pro 2, the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2—demonstrates the company’s ongoing efforts to address prominent global health concerns, such as sleep apnea and hearing loss.
Tackling Sleep Apnea with Apple Watch
Sleep apnea, a disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep, affects approximately 1 billion people worldwide, often without their knowledge. This condition is linked to serious health risks, including diabetes and heart disease. Apple’s new sleep apnea detection feature for the Apple Watch aims to raise awareness of this condition among its users, helping them recognise the signs of disturbed breathing patterns and prompting them to seek further medical advice.
It’s important to note that Apple’s sleep apnea detection is not designed to serve as a diagnostic tool. Instead, it provides guidance, alerting users to potential sleep issues that may require professional assessment. The Apple Watch uses its built-in accelerometer to track micro-movements during sleep, which can indicate disruptions in breathing.
Apple has gone a step further by submitting the largest study of its kind to the FDA to validate its sleep apnea detection capabilities. Based on trials involving 1,500 participants, Apple reports that its detection tool correctly identified two-thirds of all true sleep apnea cases. Moreover, the company assures that it avoided false positives, meaning no user was unnecessarily alerted unless they showed signs of at least mild sleep apnea.
Hearing Loss Support with AirPods Pro 2
Another standout feature Apple introduced is a hearing aid function for the AirPods Pro 2. In its own research, Apple discovered that 75% of individuals diagnosed with hearing loss are not receiving the support they need. By integrating this feature into a widely-used product like AirPods, Apple hopes to make hearing support more accessible and convenient.
While these features are exciting, they are not yet available for public use. Apple is currently seeking approval from various global health authorities, including the FDA. Once cleared, users will be able to take advantage of these functionalities in the coming weeks.
How Sleep Apnea Detection Works
To use the sleep apnea detection feature, users will need to wear their Apple Watch for at least 10 nights over a 30-day period. The more consistently you wear it during this timeframe, the more accurate the results will be. Data from these 10 nights is then used to display breathing disturbances in a new tab within the Health app. This allows users to track any changes in their breathing and recognise potential sleep disruptions.
If the Health app detects enough breathing irregularities, it will notify the user of possible signs of sleep apnea. However, it’s essential to note that various factors, such as alcohol consumption or illness, can affect breathing patterns. By requiring data from 10 nights, Apple aims to ensure that temporary disturbances don’t lead to misleading alerts.
With these advancements, Apple is not only enhancing the health tracking capabilities of its devices but also moving closer to its vision of becoming a leader in personal healthcare. These features represent a powerful combination of cutting-edge technology and user-centric health support, promising to improve the well-being of millions worldwide.
