Apple brings sleep apnoea detection and hearing test features to India

The update brings clinical-style tools to consumer devices, allowing users to track long-term sleep breathing patterns and complete quick hearing checks at home, with results stored in Apple’s Health app for easy sharing with doctors.

Apple has rolled out two major health-focused features for users in India, expanding the capabilities of its Apple Watch and AirPods Pro lineup. The update enables Apple Watch users to receive notifications related to potential sleep apnoea, while AirPods Pro users can now conduct a clinical-grade hearing test from the comfort of their homes.

The move reflects Apple’s growing focus on preventive health tools that use everyday devices to monitor and support user wellbeing. Both features are integrated into Apple’s Health ecosystem and are designed to help users identify potential health concerns early.

Apple Watch to flag possible sleep apnoea signs

The Apple Watch now includes a sleep apnoea detection feature that uses built-in sensors, including the accelerometer, to track subtle wrist movements linked to breathing interruptions during sleep. Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during rest, often without the person being aware. If left undetected, it can increase the risk of serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart-related disorders.

Apple says the watch analyses breathing disturbance data over a 30-day period and alerts users if it identifies consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnoea. Users can also generate a detailed PDF report showing trends over the past three months, which can be shared with healthcare professionals.

Within the Health app, users can access historical breathing data spanning one month, six months and one year. The app also provides educational resources to help users better understand the condition and its risks.

Apple adds that the detection system is powered by advanced machine learning models trained on clinical sleep study data and validated through medical research.

AirPods Pro enable quick hearing tests at home

In addition to sleep monitoring, Apple has introduced a new hearing test feature for AirPods Pro users. The tool allows users to assess their hearing levels in about five minutes using a scientifically designed pure-tone audiometry method.

After completing the test, users receive a summary of results, including hearing levels for each ear, classification details and suggested next steps. An audiogram is also generated and stored in the Health app, allowing users to share results with medical professionals if needed.

The feature is supported on AirPods Pro 2 and later models running updated software, along with iPhones or iPads running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 and above.

Apple’s health division stated that the goal is to empower users with accessible tools that help identify potential health conditions early and encourage proactive care.