An inhaler with a sensor gained US Food and Drug administration go-ahead in December to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The ProAir Digihaler from Teva, based in Petah Tikva, Israel, is an inhaler containing the short-acting bronchodilator albuterol, with built-in sensors to detect when the inhaler is used and to measure inspiratory flow. The data are transmitted wirelessly to a companion mobile app, which enables patients to review and share the information with their healthcare professionals if they choose. Although effective therapies for asthma are widely available, many patients have disease that is poorly controlled. A smart inhaler-and-app combination could help track their inhaler usage, remind them to take their medication and gather data to help manage their condition, and may improve compliance (Nat. Biotechnol. 34, 239–246, 2016). Several other smart inhalers for asthma and COPD are on the market, such as Hailie (from Adherium), Propeller (Propeller Health) and Herotracker (Cohero Health), but Teva’s is the first with built-in sensors. Competitors’ add-on sensors, however, are compatible with most inhalers. The added medical value of Teva’s product is unclear, but the fact that the technology, product and software all belong to the same company might offer Teva a competitive advantage. Teva plans a US-wide launch of ProAir Digihaler for 2020, following a small number of programs to gather real-world experience this year.