Samsung is upgrading its sleep apnoea detection technology with an AI-powered feature that can classify breathing disturbances into three levels on supported Galaxy wearables.
Samsung is bringing an improved sleep apnoea detection feature to its Galaxy Ring and newer Galaxy Watch models, with the upgrade set to launch in South Korea first.
The company said the feature has received approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and will be introduced in November through the Samsung Health Monitor app.
Rather than simply identifying whether signs of sleep apnoea are present, Samsung’s updated algorithms use artificial intelligence to analyse breathing data collected during sleep. The system can then categorise disturbances as mild, occasional or frequent.
Users will need to record at least five hours of sleep on two occasions within a 10-day period to receive the assessment.
The feature will initially be available in South Korea on the Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
Samsung said it will eventually extend the technology to the Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.
Older Galaxy Watch models will not receive the new system and will continue to use the previous version of Samsung’s sleep apnoea detection feature.
Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Detecting potential signs can help users identify when they may need to seek professional medical advice, although wearable devices are not a substitute for a clinical diagnosis.
Samsung’s move marks an expansion of its health-monitoring ambitions for its wearable devices, with the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch increasingly being used to track sleep and other aspects of users’ wellbeing.
The company has not yet confirmed when the improved feature will become available in other countries.
Samsung boosts sleep apnoea detection feature on wearables
