Apple introduced innovative features focused on sleep and hearing health for Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2, aligning with the company’s dedication to enhancing users’ well-being through technology. These enhancements cater to global populations affected by various health conditions and aim to provide valuable support.
The Breathing Disturbances metric, a new addition to Apple Watch, detects sleep apnea and notifies users to seek medical advice. This feature is expected to receive clearance from regulatory authorities and will be available in numerous countries, including the U.S., the EU, and Japan.
For hearing health, Apple offers a comprehensive solution with AirPods Pro, including Hearing Protection, a Hearing Test feature, and an over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability. These features are anticipated to receive approval from health authorities and will be accessible in several regions, such as the U.S., Germany, and Japan.
Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s vice president of Health, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for improving overall health. The new features on Apple Watch and AirPods Pro prioritize detecting signs of sleep apnea and providing assistance for hearing health, promoting early intervention and personalized support for users.
With a focus on prevention, awareness, and assistance, Apple’s hearing health features aim to raise awareness about hearing loss and aid users in maintaining optimal hearing well-being. These features are designed based on clinical research and aim to seamlessly integrate into users’ daily routines.
Beyond sleep and hearing health, Apple continues to enhance its products with features like the Vitals app on Apple Watch, additional support for pregnant users, and tools for mental well-being and journaling. The company remains committed to empowering users on their health journey with scientifically-backed features that prioritize privacy.
Apple’s dedication to user privacy is evident in the design of its health features, ensuring data encryption and secure storage of health information. This commitment to privacy extends to all Apple devices and services, prioritizing the protection of user data.
The new health features from Apple are expected to be available in specific regions and will be supported by compatible Apple devices. These features underscore Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation, user privacy, and the promotion of holistic well-being through technology.
