Apple Watch Series 4 ECG feature to arrive with watchOS 5.1.2

ECG functionality will be enabled on the Apple Watch Series 4 in a soon to be released version of watchOS 5.1.2.

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Much has already been written about Apple’s ECG sensors. The Series 4 smartwatch is able to generate a pulse waveform similar to the one dished out by a professional single-lead electrocardiogram. This is done through a series of new sensors on the back of the device and the revised digital crown.

To take a reading, simply rest your finger against the crown while wearing the watch. This creates a closed circuit with the sensor on the back. Built in electrodes will then work to detect electrical impulses from the heart.

The functionality has already seen the light of day in the beta version of watchOS 5.1.2, which was released to developers on November 7th. For everything to work, you will require an iPhone 5s or later, running iOS 12.1.1 (which is also currently in beta testing).

The updated software comes with a standalone ECG app which compiles a full report for each reading indicating whether your heart rhythm is normal or there are issues. The app also generates a PDF so you can forward the info on to your doctor.

Both iOS 12.1.1 and watchOS 5.1.2 should be released soon. Apple has promised the ECG app will land by the end of this year. Irregular heart rhythm notifications are also set to be enabled in watchOS 5.1.2 on all Apple Watch models.

Source: MacRumours

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