Samsung’s Galaxy Watch may soon do more than just track steps—it could help millions breathe easier at night.
Samsung Electronics has joined hands with Stanford Medicine to enhance its obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) detection feature integrated within the Galaxy Watch.
This research partnership aims to improve current technology and redefine how we approach sleep health. Moving from mere detection to comprehensive management.
Announced last month, the collaboration aims to reinforce the vital link between sleep and overall well-being.
Here’s why this collaboration matters.
A growing concern: The impact of sleep apnea
Nearly 1 billion people between the ages 30 to 69 across the globe have sleep apnea. And that’s a huge number.
Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring. It’s a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. If left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, fatigue, and even accidents due to poor sleep.
Samsung’s latest smartwatches already include a Sleep Apnea feature, which helps detect signs of moderate to severe OSA in adults aged 22 and older.
This technology was first approved in South Korea, then received De Novo authorisation from the U.S. FDA, and most recently got the green light from Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency.
Now, the feature is available in 29 countries, and Samsung is working to expand this reach further.
How the feature works
The Sleep Apnea feature is a software-only, over-the-counter (OTC) mobile medical application available on compatible Galaxy Watch and phone models.
It functions by monitoring users for two consecutive nights and identifying patterns that may indicate signs of sleep apnea. Importantly, it is intended for on-demand use by adults aged 22 and older, and it is not designed for individuals already diagnosed with sleep apnea.
While the feature offers valuable insights, it is not a replacement for clinical evaluation. Users are advised to consult qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
Samsung and Stanford Medicine collaborate: What’s new in the study?
To take things to the next level, Samsung is partnering with Stanford University and Stanford Medicine to launch a detailed study aimed at refining the sleep apnea feature.
This project is led by Dr. Robson Capasso, Chief of Sleep Surgery and Professor of Otolaryngology at Stanford, and Dr. Clete Kushida, a sleep medicine expert.
Their research will focus on two major goals:
- Improving accuracy and functionality of the existing sleep apnea detection tool.
- Using artificial intelligence (AI) to move from just detecting problems to actually managing them—through insights, alerts, and support.
Dr. Capasso summed up the importance of the project by saying,
“The ethical, equitable and evidence-based use of technology, after its validation through research, is crucial in developing new approaches to detection and management of sleep apnea and other serious sleep-related health conditions.”
Dr. Hon Pak, Samsung’s Senior VP and Head of the Digital Health Team, also explained what makes this collaboration so exciting:
“This collaboration with Stanford Medicine will combine our deep technological expertise with Stanford’s leading research capabilities to unlock new innovations in preventive care.
Together, we aim to move beyond screening to also provide more meaningful daily support that helps people better understand and manage their sleep health.”
Competitive market positioning
Samsung’s foray into sleep health is not without competition. Companies like Withings offer sleep apnea detection through under-the-mattress sensors, signalling a growing interest in non-invasive, user-friendly health monitoring solutions.
However, Samsung’s integration of these capabilities into a mainstream wearable like the Galaxy Watch positions it uniquely in the market bridging convenience with credibility.
The company’s recent launch of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is also a health-focused innovation. This new model includes advanced BioActive Sensors that measure blood oxygen levels, stress, sleep quality, and heart rate, offering a holistic picture of users’ health.
Why this matters
So why is this such a big breakthrough? Because it’s making proactive health care more accessible.
Until now, sleep apnea was often diagnosed after someone went to a sleep clinic for an overnight test. A process that’s expensive, time-consuming, and not widely available in all regions. Samsung’s smartwatch feature makes it easier for users to get early warnings from the comfort of their homes.
The study with Stanford aims to do even more by turning those early warnings into personalised insights.
Imagine a watch that not only tells you there’s an issue but also helps you fix it by suggesting routines, offering reminders, and even alerting your doctor if needed. That’s what Samsung wants to do!
-By Rinkle Dudhani and the AHT Team
