Apple Watch Sleep Apnea Detection Launches in Canada

Alright, it looks like Apple’s Sleep Apnea detection feature on Apple Watch isn’t just for iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 beta users. The feature has officially launched today for all, confirmed Apple to iPhone in Canada. Well, only those with the newest Apple Watch models.

Starting today, compatible Apple Watch users in Canada can access the new feature that detects signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea. Apple says it secured a Medical Device License from Health Canada, enabling the watch to send sleep apnea notifications.

Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, affects over a billion people globally, noted Apple. Often undiagnosed, it can increase the risk of serious health issues like hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and heart problems.

The feature leverages the Apple Watch’s accelerometer to track small wrist movements that indicate breathing disturbances during sleep. Users can view their nightly breathing data in the Health app on iPhone and iPad, with disturbances classified as “elevated” or “not elevated” over various time periods. Every 30 days, the system analyzes breathing patterns, notifying users if signs suggest sleep apnea, along with recommendations to consult a doctor.

Validated through a large clinical study, Apple says this algorithm uses machine learning to identify sleep apnea. Notifications include educational resources and a PDF summary with three months of breathing data, designed to help conversations with your doctor and other health providers.

The feature launches today in Canada and is available across more than 150 regions, including the U.S. and Japan, and supports Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models for users aged 18 and older without a prior sleep apnea diagnosis. It’s too bad the original Apple Watch Ultra misses out on this feature.