By Samsung has joined forces with Stanford Medicine to push forward the capabilities of wearable technology in identifying and managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This partnership focuses on building upon Samsung’s existing sleep health tools to create a more proactive and continuous approach to sleep disorder care.
Launched in conjunction with World Health Day, the collaboration aims to expand the reach and impact of Samsung’s AI-driven Sleep Apnea detection feature, which is currently integrated into select Galaxy Watch models. The technology, recognized with a De Novo classification from the FDA, is the first of its kind to screen for moderate to severe OSA through a consumer wearable.
The initiative will be led by Stanford professors Robson Capasso and Clete Kushida, both established figures in sleep medicine. Their goal is to refine the feature from a basic screening tool into a system that supports day-to-day health management. By harnessing artificial intelligence, the partnership is set to evolve Samsung’s wearables from early detection devices into tools that offer insights and support for long-term condition management.
Samsung’s current feature analyzes indicators like blood oxygen saturation and heart rate fluctuations while the user sleeps. The device recommends monthly monitoring over two nights to flag potential signs of OSA. This approach offers a user-friendly, non-invasive alternative to conventional clinical sleep studies.
Following recent regulatory approval in Brazil, Samsung plans to roll out the feature in 29 global markets by the end of April. The broader aim is to make it easier for users worldwide to recognize symptoms early and address related health risks such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Professor Capasso emphasized the importance of applying validated, evidence-based technologies to public health. He highlighted that wearables, given their ease of use and broad acceptance, are well-positioned to support new diagnostic and management methods for sleep-related conditions.
The numbers speak for themselves—OSA affects close to one billion adults globally, yet the vast majority remain undiagnosed. As this collaboration moves forward, the focus will expand beyond detection. Future iterations may include advanced features such as tailored health recommendations, predictive alerts, or integration with smart home systems to optimize sleeping conditions.
By blending academic research with consumer technology, this partnership signals a shift toward more accessible and responsive healthcare. Samsung and Stanford’s joint effort may represent a turning point in how sleep health is monitored and managed—from a reactive process to a data-driven, preventive model.