Samsung Brings Sleep Apnea Detection to Galaxy Ring
World-first for smart rings
Samsung Electronics has announced that its upgraded sleep apnea detection feature is now live on the Galaxy Ring. The rollout follows clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2026 and approval from Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in October 2026. With these approvals, Samsung becomes the first company to bring sleep apnea risk detection to a smart ring form factor.
What the feature does
The feature operates through the Samsung Health Monitor app and uses an enhanced algorithm that analyzes vital signs during sleep in greater depth than the original 2024 version. It quantifies breathing disruption levels rather than providing only a binary risk assessment, and delivers comprehensive insights designed to support productive conversations with clinicians. Meaningful results require as little as two nights of valid sleep data within a ten-day period, and the feature is used on-demand rather than continuously.
Compatible devices
The updated feature is available now on the Galaxy Ring and on the Galaxy Watch 9 running Wear OS 7.0 or higher. Samsung has also confirmed that support for the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch 8 will expand through future software updates. The company notes that the Galaxy Ring's comfortable, lightweight design makes it easy to wear through the night, encouraging consistent nightly use for sleep measurement.
Regulatory context
The original sleep apnea feature received the world's first US FDA De Novo authorization for a wearable detecting signs of moderate-to-severe sleep apnea in February 2024. The 2026 update is classified as an over-the-counter software-only mobile medical application. It is intended for users aged 18 and older who have not been previously diagnosed with sleep apnea, and does not replace traditional diagnosis or treatment by a qualified clinician.
Global expansion plans
With FDA and MFDS approvals secured, Samsung plans to expand the feature to more countries. The company has been progressively rolling out sleep health capabilities across its wearable lineup, with related announcements including the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 9 launch in July 2026 and global expansion of the sleep apnea feature on Galaxy Watch in June 2025.
