Apple today has officially rolled out two new health-focused features for users in Malaysia—sleep apnea notifications on Apple Watch and hearing assistance via AirPods Pro 2. These features aim to provide users with greater insights into their health, offering tools to monitor sleep quality and hearing capabilities. Starting today, users of these devices can access these features without needing a manual software update, as they are automatically enabled for all iOS 18 users.
Sleep Apnea Detection on Apple Watch
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often going undiagnosed due to its subtle symptoms. Apple Watch now offers a new way to detect potential signs of sleep apnea, using breathing disturbance metrics collected over a 30-day period. This data is then analyzed to identify irregular breathing patterns, and users will receive a notification if their sleep data suggests they may have sleep apnea.
Apple developed this feature using sensors built into Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The watch continuously tracks breathing irregularities during sleep and compiles the data into a report that can be shared with a doctor for further diagnosis. This feature makes early detection easier, allowing users to take proactive steps toward better sleep health.
Hearing Assistance on AirPods Pro 2
Alongside sleep tracking, Apple has also introduced a hearing assistance feature for AirPods Pro 2 users in Malaysia. This feature allows users to perform a clinically graded hearing test that measures hearing sensitivity in both ears. The test, which takes about five minutes, asks users to indicate whether they can hear certain sounds. The results are then stored in Apple Health, and the AirPods make some adjustments based on the user’s hearing profile.
Beyond just making adjustments for audio, AirPods Pro 2 will now helps reduce loud noises, helping protect users from exposure to harmful sound levels. This feature is particularly useful for those who experience mild hearing difficulties or work in noisy environments. Apple notes that this feature is intended for users aged 18 and above and should not replace a professional hearing assessment.
Available Now for Malaysian Users
Both of these features are now available to all eligible Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2 users in Malaysia, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to health and accessibility features.