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2019 Apple Watch: New Ceramic Casing, ECG Support for More Countries

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In his wide-ranging research note today touching on Apple's product releases for 2019, Ming-Chi Kuo provided a glimpse at upcoming AirPods, iPads, iPhones, displays and MacBook Pros. Regarding the Apple Watch, however, he had only a brief mention:

ECG supports developed for additional countries. New ceramic casing design added.

Expanding Apple Watch ECG support to other countries is not particularly revealing. Apple has been working to expand access since its launch but regulations may hold up its acceptance in many countries.

applewatchedition 3
A new "ceramic casing design" is the more intriguing rumor. With the Apple Watch Series 2, Apple introduced "Edition" models that were made from ceramic priced starting at $1,299, which it continued offering when the Series 3 Apple Watches were announced. Apple discontinued the Edition models in 2018 with the Series 4 release. Current Apple Watch models do have a ceramic back, but this rumor opens the possibility for Apple to revisit a new high end ceramic model in 2019.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

1
19SK91
92 months ago
I hope that means that there‘ll be no series 5 but only new casing options because it would really suck if ECG outside the US would be series 5 exclusive.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
martyjmclean
92 months ago
Apple needs to add ECG to Series 4 outside the US first before worrying about the Series 5.
Maybe they can start with their nextdoor neighbour. ('https://twitter.com/govcanhealth/status/1088807132986859520?s=21')
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pepe4life Avatar
Pepe4life
92 months ago
I hope that means that there‘ll be no series 5 but only new casing options because it would really suck if ECG outside the US would be series 5 exclusive.
If they only allow ECG in other countries on series 5, that would be the ultimate d!ck move
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alphaod Avatar
alphaod
92 months ago
After owning two ceramic Apple Watches and how they’re basically impossible to resell I don’t think I want another. I had so much trouble selling my Series 3 ceramic that I gave it to my dad instead. The ceramic finish was also very difficult to keep clean. Seemed that a simple wipe didn’t remove sweat marks instead require firm rubbing whereas now with the stainless steel Series 4 it’s very easy to clean with a cloth or sometimes a shirt.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
Applebot1
92 months ago
When ECG gets through each countries regulations, then it will be activated.

If the rumours about non-evasive glucose monitoring becomes reality; will be a game changer.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
SethBoy
92 months ago
It won't happen. The reason why ECG is not approved outside the US has nothing to do with the technology used but rather to do with different rules and regulations on other countries. It is similar to Apple Pay. Apple needs to work with these countries to approve ECG.
I checked with my country's regulator which confirmed that no application was made by Apple.

Same situation as Canada: https://9to5mac.com/2018/12/11/apple-watch-ecg-canada/

It is all on Apple if they haven't even bothered applying
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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