Samsung and Stanford Medicine Collaborate on Innovating Sleep Apnea Tools
Palo Alto, Wednesday, 9 April 2025.
Samsung partners with Stanford to use AI in enhancing sleep apnea management through the Galaxy Watch, moving beyond detection to proactive health monitoring.
Groundbreaking Detection Technology
The collaboration, announced on April 8, 2025, builds upon Samsung’s existing FDA De Novo-authorized sleep apnea detection feature in the Galaxy Watch [1][2]. This innovative technology utilizes the Samsung Health Monitor app to identify signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults aged 22 and older [1]. The feature has gained significant international recognition, securing approvals from regulatory bodies in Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and Brazil’s ANVISA [2].
Addressing a Global Health Crisis
The partnership addresses a critical global health concern, with over 936 million people worldwide affected by obstructive sleep apnea, according to a 2019 study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine [3]. The research initiative is being spearheaded by distinguished experts Dr. Robson Capasso, Stanford’s Chief of Sleep Surgery, and Dr. Clete Kushida, who aim to transform the Galaxy Watch’s capabilities from mere detection to comprehensive intervention [1][3].
AI-Powered Innovation in Health Monitoring
Samsung’s commitment to health technology innovation is evident in their recent developments. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, launched prior to this collaboration, already incorporates BioActive Sensors that measure crucial health metrics including blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, stress levels, and heart rate [1]. Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Health Team at Samsung Electronics, emphasizes that this partnership will leverage Stanford’s research excellence alongside Samsung’s technological expertise to advance preventive care solutions [2].
Future Implications and Market Position
The collaboration positions Samsung at the forefront of wearable health technology, with the sleep apnea detection feature now authorized in 29 countries [3]. Professor Capasso highlights the importance of ethical, equitable, and evidence-based technology development in addressing sleep-related health conditions [2]. This initiative represents a significant step toward creating AI-powered tools for daily sleep health management, potentially revolutionizing how millions of people monitor and manage their sleep apnea [1][2].