Samsung Galaxy Watch Expands Sleep Apnea Detection to 70 Countries

In a major update that boosts its smartwatch health credentials, Samsung has expanded its much-anticipated Sleep Apnea detection feature to a total of 70 countries. This feature, available via the Samsung Health Monitor app, helps detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in users aged 22 and older-an important step in early health awareness and monitoring.

Originally limited to just 13 countries, the feature now reaches markets across Europe, Asia, and beyond, thanks to approvals from the European Conformity organization, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority.

With these clearances, users in regions like Australia, Germany, Singapore, and the UK can finally use this life-enhancing function.

The Sleep Apnea feature is compatible with Galaxy Watch 4 and newer models running Wear OS 5.0 or later. It must be paired with a Galaxy smartphone running Android 12.0 or newer. Over a two-night tracking period, the watch monitors for signs of disrupted breathing, which can signal undiagnosed sleep apnea.

While not a substitute for a clinical diagnosis, the feature can act as a helpful early-warning system. This democratization of health tech-placing preventive tools on users’ wrists-shows how far smartwatches have come from just being step counters.

Some users have expressed concerns over region-locked features in the past. One commented, “Why hide health tools behind a geo-wall? Everyone sleeps, everyone deserves this.” Samsung seems to have heard the feedback, slowly aligning global functionality with the Galaxy Watch’s high-end hardware.

Beyond functionality, the update also signals a wider trend: smartwatches are turning into serious health devices, not just fitness trackers. With each regulatory greenlight, Samsung is transforming the Galaxy Watch into a wearable that doesn’t just log workouts-but could potentially save lives.