Samsung's Galaxy Ring gets FDA approval for advanced sleep apnea detection

Samsung's Galaxy Ring has received FDA approval for an advanced sleep apnea detection feature, announced in July. This new capability, which utilizes AI to analyze breathing disruptions hourly, was first granted De Novo FDA authorization for sleep apnea detection on its Galaxy Watch and Ring devices in February 2024. Initially, the device could only detect symptoms of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

However, the updated version can identify the frequency of breathing disruptions over a ten-day period, provided the user sleeps for at least five hours each night. The Samsung Health Monitor app can categorize sleep apnea into mild, occasional, or frequent based on this data. While only a physician can make a definitive diagnosis, the Galaxy Ring can help users have informed discussions with healthcare professionals.

Neither Samsung's main competitor, the Oura Ring, nor Superhuman offer FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, though both can monitor nighttime disturbances indicative of the condition. Samsung's Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch 9, and Galaxy Watch 7 and 8 are now equipped with this feature. The advanced sleep apnea detection will be available on these devices following upcoming software updates. Additionally, Samsung has enhanced its Sleep Coaching feature to require less user data input.