Apple unveils new sleep apnea detection feature for the Apple Watch

The news: Apple recently unveiled a new Apple Watch feature that will notify users if it detects signs of sleep apnea.

• The feature is expected to receive marketing authorization from the FDA and global health authorities soon, with availability in over 150 countries and regions, including the US and EU, this month.

How the sleep apnea feature works: It uses the Apple Watch’s accelerometer to detect movements associated with breathing pattern interruptions during sleep.

• If breathing disturbances are detected, the feature will warn users they are showing signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea—a condition that affects at least 25 million US adults, per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.