Apple Watch launches sleep apnea screening in China

Apple has enabled the sleep apnea notification feature for Apple Watch users on mainland China. This rollout follows official registration of the function as a Class II medical device by the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

The feature is being deployed via a system update for compatible models, including the Apple Watch Series 9 or newer, Apple Watch Ultra 2 or newer, and Apple Watch SE (third generation or later). It is intended for adults aged 18 and older who have not previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Apple specifies that the tool is designed for preliminary risk screening rather than as a standalone diagnostic instrument, and it does not replace a professional medical examination. The system utilizes a high-sensitivity accelerometer to detect minimal wrist vibrations during sleep that may indicate irregular breathing patterns. The algorithm analyzes data over a rolling 30-day period, requiring the device to be worn for at least 10 nights to provide a meaningful assessment. The process does not involve acoustic recording of snoring or ambient sounds.