Apple Watch receives FDA approval to assess sleep apnea

An Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Watch a day won’t keep the doctor away, but it might reveal if a user has sleep apnea.

Apple received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today to use the Apple Watch to assess sleep apnea risk.

The feature will be available on the Series 9, Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2. The Series 10 is slated for release on Friday, Sept. 20.

“This device uses software algorithms to analyze input sensor signals and provide a risk assessment for sleep apnea,” the FDA said. “It is not intended to provide a standalone diagnosis, replace traditional methods of diagnosis (e.g., polysomnography), assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders, or be used as an apnea monitor.”

This marks the second time in two weeks an Apple product has received FDA approval. Last week, the FDA granted Apple approval for software that enables AirPods Pro 2 to be used as an over-the-counter hearing aid.

The FDA approvals reveal how Apple has placed an emphasis on finding health applications for its products.

“At Apple, we believe that technology can help you live a healthier life, and we’re excited to enable incredible new health capabilities for serious conditions that affect billions of people around the world, while continuing to keep user data private,” said Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s vice president of Health.

Apple dipped 3% during Monday morning market action.