Apple unveiled the latest Watch Series 4 smartwatch in September this year. The latest wearable from Apple includes a lot of new features and a slightly improved design. It gets a larger display, faster CPU, improved GPS, better water-proofing and more.
During the event, Apple also spoke about a new technology that’s embedded into the Digital Crown at the side of the Watch. The Apple Watch Series 4 has an ECG reader, but users haven’t been able to use it yet. Now, according to a new report, Apple will be enabling the feature in the upcoming watchOS 5.1.2 update.
Apple Watch Series 4 ECG Feature
The latest Apple Watch sees the biggest update to the wearable so far. The latest variant comes with plenty of useful features that make it a very powerful wearable. One of these new features, is the ECG reader. Apple has hidden the ECG reader under the case, alongside the heart rate scanner. It uses two in-built electrode sensors that are placed at the back and on the Digital Crown. This reader can be used, along with the Apple-made ECG Watch app, to check for signs of atrial fibrillation, irregular heart rhythms, or normal sinus rhythm.
Apart from this, the update will also enable notifications for irregular heart rhythm on Apple Watch Series 1 through Series 4. These devices will use the heart rate monitor to check for changes in heart beat rhythm. The ECG app is also exclusive the latest Series 4 and will not be available on older models.
The user will have to place their finger on the Digital Crown and wait 30 seconds to get a an ECG reading. You will have to be wearing the watch when you do this, as the Watch will also record your heartbeat using the built-in heart-rate scanner underneath. Data from both scanners is then stored on the Health app on your iPhone. According to the FDA, the ECG reader on the Apple Watch can provide a reading that is similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. The Apple Watch Series 4 supports iPhone 5s or later that run on iOS 12.1.1 or later.
Apple Watch Series 4 watchOS 5.1.2 Update
The watchOS 5.1.2 update for Apple Watch Series 4 is currently in beta testing. Once this version is out of beta testing and ready to be released to the public, it will enable the dormant ECG reader. Firstly, the ECG reader will only work in the United States for now. Apple requires an approval from the Government to turn the feature on. Since the FDA has granted Apple the green signal, it can turn on the feature in America.
Second, Apple stresses that customers should not completely rely on the readings of the ECG and act upon it. While it is pretty accurate, Apple recommends that the user get a doctor’s opinion and also use traditional diagnostic methods. The user is advised not to track the condition of a disease just with the reader or without speaking to an expert.
Finally, we have no actual release date for watchOS 5.1.2. We know that Apple will enable the ECG reader on the Watch for US citizens, but we have no idea when Apple plans on releasing the update. Apple has been testing watchOS 5.1.2 and iOS 12.1.1 since October 31. Therefore, it is very likely that we will see the update arrive in the next week or so.
The post Apple Watch Series 4 to Get ECG Functionality with Next watchOS 5.1.2 Update: Report appeared first on MySmartPrice.
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