Apple has introduced significant global expansions for several of its latest health-focused features available on Apple Watch and AirPods. Apple Watch users in India can now access sleep apnoea notifications, while AirPods Pro users in the country gain access to the clinically validated Hearing Test feature.
Beginning today, sleep apnoea notifications are available on Apple Watch, further strengthening the device’s role as a smart health companion for users. In addition, AirPods Pro 3 now offer a clinically validated Hearing Test feature, allowing users to check their hearing levels from the comfort of home.
Health remains one of Apple’s biggest priorities, not only for Apple Watch but increasingly for AirPods Pro as well.
Because of regulatory approvals, Apple typically introduces new health features gradually across markets. The company has now confirmed that several of its latest tools are expanding into major new territories globally.
The Hearing Aid feature for AirPods Pro is now available in Italy. It requires either AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2.
Meanwhile, hypertension notifications have officially launched in Taiwan. This feature requires Apple Watch Series 9 or newer models, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later.
In the biggest international rollout, users across India now gain access to two additional health capabilities:
The Hearing Test feature requires AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2, while sleep apnoea notifications are supported on Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch SE 3.
Sleep plays a critical role in both physical and mental health. Sleep apnoea is a common condition where breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep, reducing oxygen levels in the body. The disorder is estimated to affect over one billion people worldwide, with many cases remaining undiagnosed. If untreated, it can eventually increase the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart-related conditions.
Breathing Disturbances is a newly introduced Apple Watch metric that uses the accelerometer to identify subtle wrist movements linked to disruptions in normal breathing patterns during sleep. Every 30 days, Apple Watch analyses breathing disturbance data and alerts users if consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnoea are detected, encouraging them to consult a doctor regarding possible diagnosis and treatment.
To help users have more informed discussions with healthcare professionals, Apple allows them to export a PDF containing information about potential sleep apnoea events, three months of breathing disturbance history, and additional details. The Health app also includes educational content to help users better understand sleep apnoea.
The sleep apnoea notification algorithm was created using advanced machine learning combined with a large dataset of clinical-grade sleep apnoea tests. Apple stated that the feature was validated through a large-scale clinical study, which the company described as unprecedented for sleep apnoea technology. During the clinical validation process, every participant flagged by the algorithm showed at least mild sleep apnoea.
Since overall sleep quality is also important, Breathing Disturbances can help users evaluate how restful their sleep is. Factors such as alcohol consumption, medication, and sleeping position can influence breathing disturbances. Users can review their nightly readings within the Health app, where results are marked as elevated or not elevated and can be tracked across one-month, six-month, or one-year periods.
Hearing loss often develops gradually, meaning many individuals may not realise they are experiencing hearing-related issues. To provide users with more detailed hearing health insights, Apple has introduced an easy-to-use clinical-grade hearing test based on pure-tone audiometry, the standard method used in professional hearing assessments.
The test can be completed independently using AirPods Pro along with a compatible iPhone or iPad.
Users can finish the hearing test in around five minutes from home. The feature uses advanced acoustic science to deliver an interactive testing experience. After completing the test, users receive a simple summary of their results, including a hearing loss score for each ear, classifications, and recommendations.
The results, including an audiogram, are stored securely and privately inside the Health app and can be shared with healthcare professionals for more informed discussions.
Apple said the Hearing Test feature was developed using insights gathered from the Apple Hearing Study alongside extensive real-world data.
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