Last updated: November 4, 2026
What's new in the upgraded feature
| Original feature (FDA De Novo, Feb. 2024) | Upgraded feature (FDA cleared July 2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | Galaxy Watch | Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch |
| Result | Signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea: yes or no | The level of breathing disruptions detected |
| Data needed | Two nights | Two nights of valid data within 10 days |
Samsung says this makes it the first company to bring sleep apnea risk detection to a smart ring. The ring is light enough to wear every night, which makes the two-night requirement easier to meet than with a watch some people take off to charge.
The result shows an estimated number of breathing disruptions per hour and places it on a three-level scale. Samsung's sample screen labels the levels Minimal, Occasional and Frequent. Samsung's announcement also describes three levels by frequency.
Which devices get it
| Device | Status |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Ring | Available now |
| Galaxy Watch9 (Wear OS 7.0 or later) | Available now |
| Galaxy Watch7 and Watch8 | Coming in future software updates |
Samsung's Korean announcement also lists the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 among the first models in Korea. You also need a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone, because the feature runs through the Samsung Health Monitor app.
How to take the sleep apnea test
- Install or update Samsung Health Monitor on your Galaxy phone.
- Wear your Galaxy Ring (or Watch9) to bed.
- Get two nights of valid data within a 10-day period. Samsung's Korean announcement says each night should be at least 5 hours of sleep.
- Open Samsung Health Monitor to see your result.
The test runs on demand. You start it when you want a check, not every night.
Who should use it, and who shouldn't
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 and older |
| Diagnosis | Not for people already diagnosed with sleep apnea |
| What it looks for | Signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea |
| Type | Over-the-counter, software-only medical app |
Samsung is clear that the feature does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a clinician. A "Minimal" result doesn't rule sleep apnea out, and a "Frequent" result isn't a diagnosis. Its job is to help you decide whether to talk to a doctor, and to give you data to bring to that visit.
Why it matters: Samsung cites the US National Sleep Foundation figure that about 25% of men and 10% of women in the US have sleep apnea, and many don't know it. If you snore heavily or someone has told you that you stop breathing in your sleep, this is a low-effort first step before a sleep study.
Where it's available
The upgraded feature now has approval from the US FDA (July 2026) and Korea's MFDS (October 2026). Samsung says it will keep expanding availability to more countries. The original watch feature is offered in 84 countries. Detailed schedules vary by country, so if the ring option doesn't appear, update Samsung Health Monitor and check again later.
Sources
- Samsung Global Newsroom: Upgraded Sleep Apnea Feature Now Available on Galaxy Ring (November 3, 2026)
- Samsung Newsroom Korea: Sleep Apnea feature upgrade approved by MFDS (October 28, 2026, in Korean)
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you think you have sleep apnea, see a doctor or a sleep specialist.