'Noticeably Thinner' Apple Watch Series 10 to Eventually Get Sleep Apnea Detection

The Apple Watch Series 10 will include a new sleep apnea detection feature, but it may not be available as soon as the new model launches, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

apple watch series 9 display
Sleep apnea detection, which builds on the watch's existing sleep tracking, will attempt to determine if a wearer has sleep apnea and then suggest further testing with a medical professional.

Gurman had expressed doubt about the feature's inclusion in the 2024 Apple Watch model, previously reporting that Apple's efforts hadn't gone smoothly and that it had "run into some serious snags."

The sleep apnea detection feature was said to be in trouble because it relies on blood oxygen saturation, which Apple Watches in the United States cannot currently measure due to an ongoing legal dispute with Masimo.

Gurman previously suggested that the dispute with Masimo could be resolved by September, or Apple could find a way around it by arguing that the blood oxygen sensor could be used for purposes that are not directly related to blood oxygen levels. Either way, the Apple Watch Series 10 model will eventually feature sleep apnea detection, perhaps via a later software update.

Meanwhile, the new hypertension detection (high blood pressure) feature Apple appears to have been working on has been insufficiently reliable during testing, suggesting the feature is being delayed and "no longer on the cards for an immediate release," according to Gurman.

The overall design of the Apple Watch Series 10 is said to be similar to the Apple Watch Series 9, but Apple has given them slightly larger screen-size options and the watch case itself is said to be noticeably thinner. Apple is expected to unveil the new models alongside the iPhone 16 at its September 9 event.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

Hessian Avatar
8 months ago
License the oxygen sensor technology already, Apple. Upgrading is a no go without it.

This new “feature” is software. O2 sensor is the key in all of this.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
8 months ago
I wouldn't hold my breath.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dulcimer Avatar
8 months ago
This really exemplifies how Apple launches products these days, doesn’t it?

Half-baked products—software and hardware—marketed with the full Apple Premium™ potential that ultimately launch in a staggered state several months after the fact.

And what kind of brand is Apple when they take in top-of-industry profit margins but can’t be bothered to resolve the SpO2 patent licensing issue? This was a feature marketed by Apple for years that is just gone. Will that happen to this Sleep Apnea feature someday?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AndiG Avatar
8 months ago

If a thinner watch doesn't have improved battery life thats a no go for me. My 3 year old S6 can barely last a day, and with few big changes on S7-S9, I'd want a watch that can last longer to start with before I'll upgrade. Keeping the same battery life but making it thinner doesn't really matter in my mind, since we've all gotten so used to the current setup.

Also Apple just needs to license the tech for the watch. They can afford it easily, taking away features over a petty dispute isn't winning any fans.
"notably thinner" is a quite diffuse explanation. If it is 1mm, I'll give it a "Meh". If it is 3mm, it could draw my interest.
But I am with you, I would prefer three days of battery life - or a week over a thinner version.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
StuBeck Avatar
8 months ago
If a thinner watch doesn't have improved battery life thats a no go for me. My 3 year old S6 can barely last a day, and with few big changes on S7-S9, I'd want a watch that can last longer to start with before I'll upgrade. Keeping the same battery life but making it thinner doesn't really matter in my mind, since we've all gotten so used to the current setup.

Also Apple just needs to license the tech for the watch. They can afford it easily, taking away features over a petty dispute isn't winning any fans.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
meetree Avatar
8 months ago

So, Apple, keep the same thickness and just make the battery 5%+ larger to give us more run-time! My S7 lasts about 24 hours but I would really like it to last a lot longer. I hate going away for a day trip and having to drag my charger around.
"A lot longer" and "5% more" are not the same thing. Adding 2 extra hours to 24 doesn’t make much difference — it’s a minor change.

If I needed 3 days of battery life, I’d buy the Ultra. If I needed 14 days, I’d go with Garmin.

But for the AW10, I want a new design and I’m fine with the same battery life.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)