Samsung's improved sleep apnea detection starts in South Korea and Health Guardian reaches Fitbit Air

Here is what changed this week on the health side of the Guides we track.

Samsung Galaxy Ring

Samsung will bring improved sleep apnea detection to the Galaxy Ring and to newer Galaxy Watches. The new version uses an AI algorithm and looks at several points of data, including breathing, rather than only checking whether signs are present. It sorts breathing disturbances into three tiers: mild, occasional or frequent. The Galaxy Ring and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 get it before other devices, with South Korea seeing the change first. An older sleep apnea feature is available on the ring today.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

The same feature reaches the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9 in November, in South Korea. Samsung received clearance from MFDS, the regulator in South Korea. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 7 follow in later software updates, with Samsung limiting it to newer hardware. Samsung has not said when it reaches other countries.

Google Fitbit Air

Health Guardian is coming to the Fitbit Air and Edge in a new update. It estimates blood pressure and insulin resistance. The features are free for Pixel Watch owners and need a subscription on Fitbit. Google says the insulin resistance feature is not intended for medical purposes and is not a pre-screener for diabetes.