The next Apple Watch series will include two models with new sensors, it seems. Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are reported to have a new heart rate and ECG sensor. With the result that an all-new feature may be included: sleep apnea detection.
Sleep apnea, where breathing starts and stops while you’re asleep, is a useful health feature which is found on some wearables but not the Apple Watch. Its arrival has been predicted both by Mark Gurman at Bloomberg and a new report at 9to5Mac.
Even so, this is something of a surprise as while the feature has been rumored for some time, it has been suggested that it would hinge on the Watch being able to monitor blood oxygen. That’s a feature which has been disabled in Apple Watch models sold in the U.S. because of a patent infringement dispute with health device maker Masimo.
So, the suggestion that it’s coming means Apple may have found a way around this issue.
Sleep apnea detection, assuming the reports are right, will mean that Apple will significantly increase its sleep tracking capabilities. As the 9to5Mac report says, “Similar to what happens with the new Vitals app in watchOS 11, users will have to wear the Apple Watch when sleeping for a few days before getting a sleep apnea diagnosis.”
That said, there have been plenty of rumors about the Series 10 sizes. Mark Gurman has been careful not to say too much, merely commenting, “the company will now offer slightly larger screen-size options and the watch case itself will be noticeably thinner.”
My belief is that the sizes might be closer to 42mm and 46mm, but I’m happy to be proved wrong. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is likely to stay the same size as the current model, that is with a 49mm case.
All will be revealed soon.