Samsung brings upgraded sleep-apnea screening to Galaxy Ring and Watch9 in the US

Samsung has begun making its upgraded Sleep Apnea feature available in the US on the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch9, adding an estimate of breathing disruptions to its existing risk-screening result. The feature remains a screening aid, not a diagnosis.

jajoy39

Nov 4, 2026 - 16:30

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Samsung’s promotional illustration of the upgraded Sleep Apnea feature and breathing-disruptions result. Screen images are simulated. Image: Samsung via GSMArena.

Samsung brings upgraded sleep-apnea screening to Galaxy Ring and Watch9 in the US

Samsung says its upgraded Sleep Apnea feature is now available in the US through the Samsung Health Monitor app on the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch9. The update follows US FDA clearance in July 2026 and approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, according to Samsung’s announcements.

What the update adds

The software analyzes sleep vitals, including blood-oxygen readings and motion, and now reports an estimated level of breathing disruptions detected per hour. That goes beyond the earlier risk assessment, which indicated whether patterns associated with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea were detected. Samsung says the Galaxy Ring is the first smart ring to receive this kind of regulatory clearance, but that is a company claim rather than an independently verified market-wide comparison.

The evaluation requires two nights of valid data within a 10-day period. Samsung’s US support documentation says each night must include at least five hours of sleep. Results are intended to help users decide whether to speak with a clinician; they are not a diagnosis or a replacement for treatment. The feature is not intended for people already diagnosed with sleep apnea or for users under 18.

Compatibility and limits

Samsung’s rollout release lists Galaxy Watch9 running Wear OS 7.0 or later and the Galaxy Ring, with Watch7 and Watch8 support planned through future updates. A Samsung support page currently presents a narrower compatibility listing, so availability may depend on software version, phone, market and staged rollout. A compatible Galaxy phone is required.