watchOS 5.1.2 Will Enable ECG App on Apple Watch Series 4

ECG functionality will be enabled on the Apple Watch Series 4 in the publicly released version of watchOS 5.1.2, which is currently in beta testing, according to an internal Apple Store training document obtained by MacRumors.

iphone apple watch ecg
watchOS 5.1.2 will feature an Apple-designed ECG app that can indicate whether your heart rhythm shows signs of atrial fibrillation, a serious form of irregular heart rhythm, or a normal sinus rhythm. Apple Watch Series 4 is capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram, according to the FDA.

ECG and other heart data is collected in the Health app on a paired iPhone. Apple's document lists a minimum requirement of an iPhone 5s or later running iOS 12.1.1, currently in beta testing, or later.

To take an ECG reading from the Apple Watch, users will need to place a finger on the Digital Crown while wearing the watch. The reading is completed in 30 seconds, allowing users to determine whether their hearts are beating in a regular pattern or if there are signs of atrial fibrillation.

Apple's training document states that the ECG app is regulated and only available in regions cleared for use. The app will initially be limited to the United States, where Apple has received FDA clearance, but Apple Watch Series 4 models sold worldwide include the electrical heart sensor for future expansion.

Apple Store employees are instructed to advise customers that the ECG app 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," according to Apple's document.

Apple promised that the ECG app will be available later this year, but it's unclear when watchOS 5.1.2 and iOS 12.1.1 will be released. watchOS 5.1.2 has been in beta testing since November 7, while iOS 12.1.1 has been in beta testing since October 31, so both software updates should be released relatively soon.

A separate Apple training document obtained by MacRumors suggests that irregular heart rhythm notifications will also be enabled in watchOS 5.1.2 on Apple Watch Series 1 through Apple Watch Series 4 models.

The ECG app will not be available on previous-generation Apple Watch models, including the original through Series 3.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 9
Tag: ECG
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Top Rated Comments

yaxomoxay Avatar
69 months ago
I am pissed that this will not work with my Series 3!! I could really use this app. Apple has a way to make me spend money. I might be stubborn and not buy a Series 4 until refurbs come along.
Why would you be pissed? It wasn't a function when you purchased it, and it wasn't promised by apple...
Score: 49 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L-Viz Avatar
69 months ago
Am I the only one scared that my Watch will tell me I'm going to die?
You are in fact going to die.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
69 months ago
Can’t wait to see which of my hearts the ECG measures.

EDIT: None of them are showing up. Not even the ****** lower-left-quadrant one. :(



Attachment Image
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kaibelf Avatar
69 months ago
Good idea. Health is a huge market and Apple is well positioned to control the wrist real estate. But, to succeed they need to make the Watch fully function with non-Apple phones and tablets.
No they don't. This is very sensitive health data, and it's not Apple's job to facilitate building a doorway for a bunch of hackneyed Android devs to screw it up and cause problems. Then Apple will be blamed for Google's failure to properly secure their platform. That's to say NOTHING of insurers, who would love to "better serve you" by accessing that and deciding how quickly they want to lobby you off their roster.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RedGala Avatar
69 months ago
No they don't. This is very sensitive health data, and it's not Apple's job to facilitate building a doorway for a bunch of hackneyed Android devs to screw it up and cause problems. Then Apple will be blamed for Google's failure to properly secure their platform. That's to say NOTHING of insurers, who would love to "better serve you" by accessing that and deciding how quickly they want to lobby you off their roster.
I completely agree. I don't want google's dirty fingers anywhere near the health app.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
69 months ago
I am pissed that this will not work with my Series 3!! I could really use this app. Apple has a way to make me spend money. I might be stubborn and not buy a Series 4 until refurbs come along.
This comment reflects poorly on you. Even I'm embarrassed. Did you also wonder why your 6s Plus never grew a second camera? Or why your iMac didn't form a cocoon and emerge as an iMac Pro? Honestly, what do you people want Apple to do—never innovate, or give you a free device upgrade every year? The entitlement never ceases to amaze me.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 16 Camera Lozenge 2 Perspective Gray

Five Key Upgrades Coming to iPhone 16

Friday March 15, 2024 1:45 pm PDT by
The iPhone is Apple's top-selling product, and it gets an update every year. In 2024, we're expecting the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup, with an arguably more interesting feature set than we got with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Capture Button All four iPhone 16 models are set to get a whole new button, which will be...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Expected to Depreciate Heavily

Tuesday March 12, 2024 9:04 am PDT by
Resale value trends suggest the iPhone SE 4 may not hold its value as well as Apple's flagship models, according to SellCell. According to the report, Apple's iPhone SE models have historically depreciated much more rapidly than the company's more premium offerings. The third-generation iPhone SE, which launched in March 2022, experienced a significant drop in resale value, losing 42.6%...
apple wallet drivers license feature

Apple Said iPhone Driver's Licenses Would Expand to These 8 U.S. States… Two Years Ago

Thursday March 14, 2024 7:33 am PDT by
In just four U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports, businesses, and venues. Adoption of the feature has been slow since Apple first announced it in September 2021, with IDs in the Wallet app only available in Arizona,...
airpods 3 orange

Two New AirPods 4 Models Expected to Launch in September or October

Sunday March 17, 2024 7:56 am PDT by
Apple suppliers will begin production of two new fourth-generation AirPods models in May, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Based on this production timeframe, he expects the headphones to be released in September or October. Gurman expects both fourth-generation AirPods models to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C...
When To Expect New iPads Feature 1

Apple to Announce New iPads on March 26, Rumors Claim

Monday March 18, 2024 4:02 am PDT by
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23">claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an...
OLED iPad Air

iPad Air Next on Apple's OLED Tablet Roadmap Following iPad Pro

Friday March 15, 2024 3:30 am PDT by
The iPad Air will be the next Apple tablet to adopt OLED display panel technology following its upcoming OLED iPad Pro models, according to an updated forecast from research firm Omdia (via The Elec). "In 2028, we expect the iPad Air to go OLED as well, with the iPad Air using single-stack and the iPad Pro using two-stack tandem OLEDs," said Omdia researcher Kang Min-soo, speaking on...
Walmart MacBook Air M1

Walmart Begins Selling MacBook Air With M1 Chip for $699 in U.S.

Friday March 15, 2024 6:57 am PDT by
Walmart today announced that it has started selling the MacBook Air with the M1 chip in the U.S., with pricing set at a very reasonable $699. The laptop can be ordered now on Walmart.com, and it will be available soon at select Walmart stores. This is the first time that customers can purchase a Mac that is sold directly by Walmart, the company said in a press release. Some other retailers...