watchOS 7 Brings Apple Watch ECG Feature to Colombia, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates

Apple on Wednesday released watchOS 7 to the public, and the latest operating system for compatible Apple Watch models also brought ECG and irregular heart rhythm notifications to users in Colombia, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for the first time.

ecg watch person
‌Apple Watch‌ Series 4, 5, and 6 users can generate an ECG waveform in just 30 seconds by placing their finger on the Digital Crown. The idea is that you can take this information to your doctor, if the results are abnormal, and use it as a basis to discover if you have any larger issues at hand.

The irregular rhythm notification feature also intermittently checks heart rhythms in the background and sends a notification if an irregular heart rhythm is identified that could potentially be atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Atrial fibrillation is a health condition that often goes undiagnosed, so ECG app and heart rhythm alerts on Apple Watch will be highly useful for detecting early signs of disease. ECG readings also normally require a full ECG machine and a visit to the doctor, which is far less convenient than a reading taken with the Apple Watch.

Apple routinely has to gain approval from government health agencies before marketing the ‌Apple Watch‌'s ECG feature in different countries. Apple won U.S. FDA clearance to promote the function when the ‌Apple Watch‌ Series 4 launched in 2018.

Related Roundups: watchOS 11, watchOS 26
Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

Packing Less Avatar
63 months ago
They're never going to bring it to Australia are they ?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PickUrPoison Avatar
63 months ago

So 2021 is the year we finally get that deature?? sweet
Should be, although the implementation has already been delayed once due to Covid.

Here’s the link, the new regulations will take effect 25 February 2021. Hopefully device approvals aren’t too far behind. (The new rules were passed based on discussions with the public that began in late 2018, which was about the time Apple met with TGA.)

https://www.tga.gov.au/therapeutic-goods-legislation-amendment-2019-measures-no1-regulations-2019
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cleartz Avatar
63 months ago
It's great to see more countries getting that feature but poor Australia.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PickUrPoison Avatar
63 months ago

They're never going to bring it to Australia are they ?

It's great to see more countries getting that feature but poor Australia.
It’s coming, but it took legislative changes to make it happen (Thanks Tim Apple!)

Next year (March iirc) your TGA is finally updating the regulations that have prevented Australians from using the ECG and irregular rhythm notifications. With current rules/regs, neither the Watch nor any similar ECG devices were approvable.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lk400 Avatar
63 months ago
But, what about [my country]?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
idandavid Avatar
63 months ago
My Australian watch now in Israel has ecg working !
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)