Apple has launched sleep apnea notifications on supported Apple Watch models in mainland China after receiving approval from the country’s National Medical Products Administration. The feature is designed to identify signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea by monitoring breathing disturbances during sleep.

The notification system is available on Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch SE 3, and newer models. Its rollout in mainland China gives eligible users access to the same general screening feature through the Apple Watch’s existing motion-sensing hardware.

How Apple Watch sleep apnea notifications work

During sleep, the Apple Watch uses its accelerometer to monitor breathing disturbances. Rather than assessing a single night in isolation, the watch analyzes the collected data over a 30-day period for patterns associated with moderate to severe sleep apnea.

If the data indicates a possible pattern, the wearer receives a notification. Apple’s feature is intended to identify signs that may warrant further discussion with a medical professional; the notification itself does not provide a diagnosis.

Users can export a report for their doctor

People who receive a sleep apnea notification can export the relevant results as a PDF. That report can then be discussed with a doctor as part of a conversation about possible diagnosis and treatment.

The export option gives users a way to take the information collected by the watch beyond the Apple Watch interface. It also allows a medical professional to review the results alongside the user’s symptoms and other clinical information.

Supported Apple Watch models

Apple supports the feature on the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch SE 3, and newer Apple Watch models. Availability depends on the model being supported and the feature having received authorization in the user’s market.

  • Apple Watch Series 9 and newer
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 and newer
  • Apple Watch SE 3 and newer

Why the China launch matters

The mainland China launch follows clearance from the National Medical Products Administration, making the feature available to eligible Apple Watch owners in another major market. Apple’s announcement expands access to a watch-based way of identifying potential sleep apnea patterns, while keeping follow-up diagnosis and treatment discussions with healthcare professionals.

Users who receive an alert should treat it as a reason to speak with a doctor rather than as a confirmed medical diagnosis. The Apple Watch’s role is to monitor the specified breathing disturbances over time and provide a report that can support that conversation.