Apple health features are getting a major upgrade, with the Apple Watch gaining the ability to detect sleep apnea and the AirPods Pro 2 offering hearing test and hearing aid functionalities. These updates turn everyday devices into powerful tools for monitoring and managing common health conditions that often go undiagnosed.
The latest Apple Watch software will use its accelerometer to detect moderate to severe sleep apnea by monitoring wrist movements during sleep. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2 will soon be able to test for hearing loss and serve as over-the-counter hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing issues. Apple expects regulatory approval from the FDA and other global health bodies for these features, which will be available later this year across multiple countries.
These new features work not just on new hardware but also on existing devices. Sleep apnea detection will be available on the Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and Series 10 models. Hearing loss detection and hearing aid functions will be added to the existing AirPods Pro 2.
Apple's CEO Tim Cook has consistently emphasized health as a critical area for growth. The Apple Watch has already helped users track heart conditions. Apple is exploring future possibilities, such as blood pressure and glucose monitoring. The new features align with a broader trend of tech companies offering modern, discreet alternatives to traditional medical devices.
Hearing loss, a widespread issue often goes untreated. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 aims to bridge that gap by providing hearing assistance in a familiar, everyday device. Users can test the feature without needing a costly purchase, and the dual-purpose AirPods keep the hearing aid function inconspicuous.
Similarly, sleep apnea, often undiagnosed due to the invasive nature of traditional tests, can now be monitored more quickly through the Apple Watch, with data that doctors can share for further analysis.