Samsung and Stanford Medicine have joined forces in a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at enhancing the sleep apnea monitoring capabilities of the Galaxy Watch, integrating advanced artificial intelligence to transform detection and management of the condition for users worldwide.
The partnership, announced by Samsung on Tuesday, centers on the joint development of new features that leverage AI to not only recognize obstructive sleep apnea in Galaxy Watch wearers but also to deliver actionable insights for improved management of the disorder. This collaboration with Stanford Medicine is designed to move beyond traditional detection, offering a comprehensive approach that could fundamentally change how people monitor and address their sleep health using wearable technology.
Samsung’s obstructive sleep apnea feature, already integrated into the Galaxy Watch, has achieved de novo classification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This regulatory status, granted to novel medical devices without a predicate, allows Samsung’s feature to be offered as a unique health solution. According to a company press release, by late April, the upgraded sleep apnea feature will roll out in 29 global markets, significantly expanding its reach and potential impact on users’ health.
Sleep apnea remains a widespread and often underdiagnosed condition, affecting over 30 million people in the United States alone. The underdiagnosis of this serious disorder has prompted a surge in technology-driven solutions, with consumer wearables playing a vital role in expanding access to detection tools. In addition to Samsung, other leading wearable brands are developing and launching similar features. Apple’s Series 10 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches received FDA clearance for sleep apnea detection last year, and OnePlus is planning to introduce the capability in its upcoming Watch 3.
Dr. Robson Capasso, Chief of Sleep Surgery and Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of rigorous scientific validation and equity in deploying such technologies. “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. Capasso said. His statement underscores the partnership’s commitment to high standards in both research and patient care as new digital health tools are brought to market.
This focus on management as well as detection mirrors a broader shift within the wearable technology industry. While smartwatches have already advanced the detection of health conditions such as atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea, the next generation of features is aimed at empowering users with tools for ongoing symptom management and comprehensive support. Advancements in AI are enabling these devices to move beyond passive monitoring, providing users with personalized health coaching, direct management tools, and seamless connections to healthcare providers and caregivers.
Samsung has publicly committed to building a holistic digital health ecosystem through its wearable devices. Speaking at a recent Samsung Unpacked event, Praveen Raja, Samsung’s head of digital health, stated, “Our vision is to develop a comprehensive system that supports you through every stage of your health journey. From measuring your current health to giving you personalized health insights and coaching, and connecting you with providers and caregivers.”
