Apple has expanded its health monitoring features in India by introducing Sleep Apnea Notifications on the Apple Watch and a Hearing Test function for AirPods Pro. These updates, approved by local regulators, aim to tackle pressing health issues like undiagnosed sleep apnea and hearing loss, affecting millions across the country.
The Sleep Apnea Notifications work with the Apple Watch SE (3rd generation), Apple Watch Series 9 and newer models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2. This feature is designed for adults aged 18 and older who have not been previously diagnosed with sleep apnea. Apple reports that more than one billion people worldwide suffer from this condition, with about 80% of cases remaining undiagnosed. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Using the watch's accelerometer, the Sleep Apnea feature tracks users’ breathing disturbances during sleep. The algorithm analyzes data over a rolling 30-day period and recalibrates monthly to identify patterns that may indicate moderate to severe sleep apnea. If a potential issue is detected, users receive a notification and can generate a PDF report through the Health app to share with healthcare providers for further evaluation. Apple states that the algorithm was developed using over 11,000 nights of sleep data from 4,700 diverse participants, ensuring a thorough approach to identifying sleep issues.
Hearing Test Feature for AirPods Pro
Alongside sleep monitoring, Apple has introduced a Hearing Test feature for the AirPods Pro (2nd and 3rd generations). This functionality enables users to evaluate their hearing capabilities through a straightforward five-minute process, accessible via the Hearing Help section on iPhone and iPad.
During the test, users listen for tones across eight frequencies ranging from 250Hz to 8,000Hz, tapping the screen whenever they hear a sound. Each tone is played three times to improve detection accuracy, while the system first assesses background noise levels to guarantee a quiet testing environment. An Ear Tip Fit Test is also performed to confirm a proper acoustic seal in the ear canal.
Results, measured in decibels of Hearing Level (dBHL), are stored in the Health app, allowing users to monitor their hearing metrics over time. The hearing assessment has been validated against traditional audiometry tests, yielding results within 2dBHL of clinical standards in a study with 200 participants. Users can export their audiograms to share with healthcare professionals, further integrating these health features into their personal care routines.
Privacy and Data Security
Apple has stressed that all health data collected through these features is encrypted both on-device and in iCloud. The company ensures it does not have access to decryption keys, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy while providing essential health monitoring tools.
With these updates, Apple continues to enhance its health ecosystem across its devices, now covering 18 health categories. The introduction of Sleep Apnea Notifications and the Hearing Test feature underscores Apple’s commitment to using technology for health management, potentially improving users' quality of life by promoting early diagnosis of common health issues.
Quick answers
How does the Sleep Apnea feature work?
It uses the Apple Watch's accelerometer to monitor breathing disturbances during sleep and analyzes data over a rolling 30-day period.
What devices support the Hearing Test feature?
The Hearing Test is available on AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Pro (3rd generation).
Is my health data secure?
Yes, all health data is encrypted both on-device and in iCloud, and Apple does not have access to decryption keys.
About the author
MJI Desk
MJI Desk covers consumer tech for MJI News.
