New features for Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2 in Vietnam

Some health support features have just been updated by Apple for Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2 users in Vietnam.

Hearing aid features on AirPods Pro 2. Photo: Tom's Guide .

Apple has just announced the release of new features for Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2 in some countries, including Vietnam. Specifically, Apple Watch can warn of symptoms of sleep apnea, while AirPods Pro 2 adds a series of hearing-related features, helping to detect and support hearing loss.

“These new features work seamlessly across Apple products, providing a powerful and useful approach to helping users monitor and improve sleep and hearing health, two areas that affect billions of people globally,” Apple said.

Sleep Apnea Warning on Apple Watch

First, Apple Watch can warn of sleep apnea symptoms through breathing disturbances.

Available on Apple Watch Series 9 and later and Apple Watch Ultra 2, this feature uses an accelerometer to detect small movements in your wrist that are associated with disruptions in your breathing during sleep.

Over a 30-day period, Apple Watch will analyze sleep apnea data and alert users if they have moderate to severe sleep apnea symptoms. The analysis algorithm is developed based on machine learning technology, incorporating in-depth data from clinical trials.

Sleep apnea screening and warning feature on Apple Watch. Photo: Apple .

According to Apple, sleep apnea is a common disorder in which breathing is temporarily interrupted during sleep, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to many complications such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Users can track their sleep-disordered breathing metrics in the Health app, but the company notes that the metrics can be affected by factors like alcohol, medications, sleep position, and other conditions.

To get more information to discuss with the doctor, users can simply export the data into a PDF file, containing some information such as the time when the symptoms may have occurred, 3 months of arrhythmia data, and the most recent information. The application also provides some knowledge to help users better understand the symptoms.

AirPods Pro 2 helps test and support hearing loss

Next, AirPods Pro 2 adds a series of functions to help prevent, detect and support problems related to hearing health.

First, Loud Sound Reduction helps reduce ambient noise, one of the factors that can affect hearing.

Specifically, this mode combines the earbud (passive noise reduction) and the H2 chip (active noise reduction at 48,000 times/second). With an algorithm developed by Apple, the mode can reduce external noise while maintaining the sound quality on the playback device.

With the Hearing Test feature, users can connect AirPods Pro 2 to a compatible iPhone or iPad (running iOS/iPadOS 18.1 or later). According to Apple, the feature simulates hearing tests commonly performed in clinics.

Test results and audiogram in the Health app. Photo: Apple .

The test lasts about 5 minutes. Sounds at different frequencies and levels are played in each ear, and the user taps the screen if they hear a sound. The frequencies tested include 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz.

When the test is complete, the device displays a summary of the results, including data indicating the level of hearing loss in each ear, a classification, and accompanying recommendations.

Depending on the level, 25 dBHL or less indicates no or very little hearing loss. Other results include 26-40 dBHL (indicating mild hearing loss), 41-60 dBHL (indicating moderate hearing loss), 61-80 dBHL (indicating slightly severe hearing loss), and 81 dBHL or more (indicating complete hearing loss).

According to Apple, the measurement results (including audiograms) are stored in the Health app. Users can share them with doctors or healthcare services for more information exchange.

AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid mode introduction screen. Photo: Apple .

Based on hearing test results, AirPods Pro 2 can be turned into an over-the-counter Hearing Aid for people with mild to severe hearing loss.

Once set up, the headset can automatically adjust the contrast bias in real time, enhancing the sounds around the wearer. Essentially, the device will enhance the frequencies that the wearer cannot hear. The adjustments are applied system-wide, including when listening to music, making calls, etc.

This isn’t the first time Apple devices have integrated hearing-related features. Currently, the Apple Watch can measure and warn about ambient noise. On the iPhone, users can limit headphone volume. The company also supports accessibility sections to help users customize settings to suit their needs.

Source: https://znews.vn/tinh-nang-moi-cho-apple-watch-va-airpods-pro-2-tai-viet-nam-post1569076.html