Apple Watch Users in Brazil Gain Access to Sleep Apnea Detection Feature

In September, Apple announced a new feature for the latest Apple Watch models that can detect possible sleep apnea. The feature was launched in more than 150 countries and is now available to Brazil’s Apple Watch users after being approved by ANVISA, the country’s health regulator.

According to Apple, “as of today, a new Apple Watch feature that helps identify signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea arrives in Brazil.”

The feature uses the watch's accelerometer to detect potential breathing disturbances during sleep and notifies users if it detects signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea. The user can then consult their doctor for further steps like diagnosis and treatment.

Apple says sleeping is an important area of health as it impacts overall physical and mental wellbeing. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing momentarily stops during sleep, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen. The condition is estimated to impact more than 1 billion people worldwide but often goes undiagnosed, leading to potential severe consequences if untreated.

The feature requires users to have an iPhone running iOS 18 and an Apple Watch with watchOS 11 or later.