Samsung Electronics has made its updated Sleep Apnea feature available on Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch to detect signs of sleep apnea. The feature received clearance from the US FDA in July 2026 and approval from Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Samsung says it is the first company to bring sleep apnea risk detection to a smart ring.
Available through the Samsung Health Monitor app, the updated feature uses an enhanced algorithm to analyze a user’s vitals during sleep and provide insight into the level of breathing disruptions detected. Samsung says this goes beyond the previous sleep apnea risk assessment. The feature requires two nights of valid data within a 10-day period, and can be used on demand.
The over-the-counter (OTC), software-only mobile medical application is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea in users 18 years and older. It is designed to run on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Wearable and Phone. Samsung says the Galaxy Ring’s lightweight design makes it convenient to wear overnight, while support on both the ring and watch lets users monitor sleep health using either device.
Jongmin Choi of Samsung Electronics said the MFDS approval and support for a smart ring reflect the company’s commitment to accessible innovation. He said the feature provides tools to help people spot possible early signs of sleep apnea and take charge of their wellbeing.
The feature is available on Galaxy Watch 9 running Wear OS 7.0 or higher. Support for Galaxy Watch 7/8 will expand through future software updates. Samsung said it plans to expand availability to more countries.
