In a move set to revolutionize health technology, Apple has announced two groundbreaking health features for its Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2. The new capabilities aim to address two critical health issues impacting billions worldwide: sleep apnea and hearing loss.
Apple Watch Takes on Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea, a common disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, affects over 1 billion people globally. The condition is often undiagnosed, leading to significant health risks including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. Apple is tackling this problem head-on with the introduction of its new Breathing Disturbances metric on the Apple Watch.
The Breathing Disturbances metric uses the Apple Watch’s accelerometer to detect subtle wrist movements indicative of breathing interruptions during sleep. This metric will analyze data every 30 days and alert users to potential signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea, enabling them to seek medical advice if necessary.
Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s Vice President of Health, emphasized the importance of this feature, stating, “At Apple, we believe that technology can help you live a healthier life. With these new capabilities, we continue to empower users to uncover important health conditions like sleep apnea and take proactive steps towards better health.”
The feature is expected to receive approval from the FDA and other global health authorities soon. It will be available in over 150 countries, including the U.S., the EU, and Japan, starting this month. Users of Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will benefit from this new functionality.
Breathing Disturbances not only helps in detecting sleep apnea but also provides insights into overall sleep quality. Users can track their nightly sleep data and identify factors affecting their sleep, such as alcohol consumption or sleep position. The Health app will allow users to view and export detailed reports on their breathing disturbances, making it easier to have informed discussions with healthcare providers.
Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy from the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center commented, “Empowering consumers to identify abnormal breathing patterns during sleep can uncover a significantly underdiagnosed condition, potentially improving public health on a global scale.”
AirPods Pro 2 Redefines Hearing Health
Hearing loss affects approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, with many facing challenges due to the high cost and limited access to hearing aids. Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 are set to change the landscape of hearing health with a suite of features designed for prevention, awareness, and assistance.
Prevention with Loud Sound Reduction
One of the key features, Loud Sound Reduction, aims to protect users from harmful noise exposure while preserving the quality of the audio they are listening to. This feature uses the H2 chip to actively reduce intermittent loud noises at a rate of 48,000 times per second, while passive noise reduction from the ear tips further enhances hearing protection. It is enabled by default in Transparency and Adaptive Audio modes, making it useful in various noisy environments such as concerts or busy urban settings.
Awareness through Clinical-Grade Hearing Test
Understanding hearing health is crucial, as hearing loss often develops gradually. Apple’s Hearing Test, based on pure-tone audiometry, provides users with a clinical-grade assessment of their hearing capabilities. This feature allows users to conduct a hearing test using their AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad, offering insights into their hearing health based on real-world data and clinical standards.
Dr. Rick Neitzel from the University of Michigan School of Public Health praised the innovation, stating, “Hearing health is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing. Apple’s new tools will help users monitor their hearing over time and take preventive measures to protect their hearing health.”
Assistance with Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Feature
For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 introduces the world’s first software-based Hearing Aid feature. This feature transforms AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid by utilizing a personalized hearing profile generated from the Hearing Test. It provides real-time sound amplification adjustments to enhance conversation and environmental awareness. This feature can also be set up using an audiogram from a hearing health professional, if available.
The Hearing Aid feature was validated in a randomized clinical study, showing its effectiveness compared to traditional audiologist-assisted setups. This innovative approach aims to make hearing assistance more accessible and affordable, potentially reaching millions who have previously gone without necessary support.
Additional Health Enhancements
In addition to the new sleep and hearing features, Apple is also enhancing its health offerings across its devices. The Vitals app on the Apple Watch will provide users with daily updates on key health metrics such as heart rate and respiratory rate. The Health app on iPhone is now equipped to support pregnant users by tracking gestational age and offering recommendations based on their health needs. Users can also log mindful minutes and their state of mind directly in the Journal feature.
Apple continues to emphasize the importance of privacy in its health features. All health and fitness data is encrypted when the device is locked, and data synced to iCloud is protected with end-to-end encryption. This commitment ensures that users’ health information remains private and secure.
Availability
The new sleep apnea notifications will be available this month in over 150 countries, including the U.S., the EU, and Japan. Users with Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will have access to this feature. The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features will debut this fall in over 100 countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Japan, and will be supported on AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad.
Apple’s latest innovations represent a significant leap forward in personal health technology, providing users with powerful tools to monitor and improve their health. By integrating advanced health features into widely used devices, Apple is not only enhancing individual well-being but also making strides towards addressing major global health challenges.
