Samsung is extending its sleep apnea detection feature with an AI algorithm. According to t3n, the feature on Galaxy Ring and Watch is set to distinguish three severity levels of nighttime breathing interruptions: mild, occasional and frequent. According to the company, at least two nightly measurement units within ten days are required, in which the ring or watch is worn for five hours each time.
Current status
Since the Galaxy Watch 4, Samsung smartwatches have been able to detect whether a person has breathing interruptions at night. According to t3n, the sleep apnea feature has been available in Germany since June 2025. The update is meant to go further and classify how severe the breathing disturbances are.
Approval and availability
After approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2026, Samsung has according to t3n also received approval from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The update is to roll out in November 2026 for Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Ring in South Korea. According to t3n, a US launch could follow within a short time. For Europe there is according to t3n so far no official date; CE approval is still pending. Older models such as Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 7 are to receive the feature according to t3n, but when exactly is unclear.
Classification
For users in Germany, this means for now that the expanded feature is not foreseeably available, as long as CE approval is missing. Whether and when it reaches older devices is open. Anyone who wants to use the feature should keep an eye on its approval status.
Sources
Editorially owned by Ideal Syka. Sources and method: Newsroom & method. Tips and corrections: ai@i6eal.de.
