The new Apple Watch Series 4 will be getting its promised ECG feature as part of the upcoming watchOS 5.1.2 update, according to documents obtained by MacRumors. While the version of watchOS 5.1.2 that is currently in developer beta testing has not shown any indications of the ECG feature as of yet, internal Apple Store training documents have revealed that an ECG app will be included with the final public release of watchOS 5.1.2.
As promised, the app is designed to provide basic ECG functionality to allow users to determine whether their heart rhythm shows signs of atrial fibrillation, thereby suggesting that they should consult a doctor for more comprehensive tests to determine if a heart condition actually exists.
According to MacRumors, the Apple training documents state that the ECG app is “regulated and only available in regions cleared for use,” which for now means the United States — the only country in which Apple has received appropriate regulatory clearance.
Apple Store employees are also being told to advise customers that the ECG feature is “not intended to be a diagnostic device or to replace traditional methods of diagnosis,” and “should not be used to monitor or track disease state or change medication without first talking to a doctor.” MacRumors also obtained a separate Apple training document that indicates that watchOS 5.1.2 will also enable irregular heart rhythm notifications on all Apple Watch models back to the Series 1, although of course the ECG app will only be available on the current Apple Watch Series 4, since it’s the only one equipped with the necessary electrical heart sensor.
.
