Samsung Expands Galaxy Watch Sleep Apnea Detection Globally
Samsung is taking another major step in digital health innovation by expanding its sleep apnea detection feature for Galaxy Watch users to 70 countries worldwide. The feature, integrated into the Samsung Health Monitor app, is designed to help millions of users monitor potential signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder that can lead to serious health complications.
What Is Sleep Apnea and Why It Matters
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This disrupts oxygen supply to the body, degrading sleep quality and increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and cognitive problems. The disorder often goes unnoticed because it occurs while the individual is asleep, but its long-term consequences can be severe.
Recognizing the importance of early detection, Samsung’s sleep apnea feature aims to empower users with actionable health insights. By expanding access to this tool globally, the company is offering more people the opportunity to be proactive about their sleep health and overall well-being.
How the Galaxy Watch Detects Sleep Apnea
Samsung’s sleep apnea detection is an over-the-counter (OTC) software-only medical application available on compatible Galaxy Watch series models paired with Galaxy smartphones. The feature monitors users aged 22 and older for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea over two nights of sleep tracking.
The system uses sensors on the Galaxy Watch to track sleep patterns and breathing irregularities, identifying significant respiratory disturbances. It’s important to note, however, that this feature is intended for users who haven’t been formally diagnosed with sleep apnea. Samsung emphasizes that the tool is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment and that the data it provides isn’t intended for clinical use in diagnosing sleep disorders.
Availability and Device Compatibility
The sleep apnea detection feature is compatible with the Galaxy Watch4 series and newer models running Wear OS 5.0 or later, paired with Galaxy smartphones operating on Android 12.0 or newer. Due to the regulatory approvals required for medical devices, the feature is available only in countries where it has been officially cleared and on Galaxy devices sold in those markets.
Regulatory Approvals and Global Expansion
This global rollout was made possible after Samsung obtained CE certification, confirming compliance with the European Union’s strict health, safety, and environmental standards. This approval adds to the growing list of regulatory endorsements Samsung has received, including from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore.
Most notably, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted De Novo authorization for Samsung’s sleep apnea detection feature — marking the first-ever FDA approval for a wearable device capable of detecting moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. The feature has also been approved by health authorities in South Korea, Brazil, and Canada, solidifying Samsung’s leadership in consumer sleep technology.
A Growing Focus on Sleep Health in Tech
This announcement highlights the broader trend of wearable devices transitioning from fitness trackers to fully-fledged health tools. From ECG monitoring to blood pressure tracking and now sleep apnea detection, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup is becoming a comprehensive health companion on the wrist.
Interestingly, a recent study published in Nature and Science of Sleep found that sleep apnea affects nearly 1 billion people worldwide, with many cases remaining undiagnosed. This staggering number underscores the importance of accessible tools like Samsung’s in promoting early awareness and lifestyle interventions.
As sleep health becomes an increasingly critical part of digital health ecosystems, Samsung’s global rollout not only reflects its technological ambition but also its commitment to advancing preventive healthcare through everyday devices.
With new markets opening up and regulatory milestones achieved, Samsung appears well-positioned to continue expanding the health capabilities of its wearables — and the sleep apnea detection feature is a significant step in that direction.
