watchOS 5.1.2: Apple releases ECG function

The Apple Watch is considered the best-selling watch in the world. In addition to a redesign, the Apple Watch Series 4 boasted the ECG function.

What is an ECG?

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the recording of the sum of the electrical activities of all heart muscle fibers using an electrocardiograph. Now the 4th generation of the Apple Watch should be able to do just that. In order to measure the current flow, the user must hold their finger to the digital crown for 30 seconds. A cardiogram is then created. In order to be able to offer such a feature, approval from the health authorities in the respective country is required. Apple has already received this in the USA.

ECG available

Now Apple has released the new feature for the first time. Users of the latest Apple Watch can use the hotly debated function from today - initially only in the USA. The ECG feature has its own app. If the Apple Watch detects a heart rhythm disorder, the user can see this in the app. In addition, all collected data is synchronized with the Health app.

German launch of the ECG function unknown

It remains uncertain when the function will be released in Germany. Jeff Williams emphasized that Apple is currently working on being able to offer the ECG function and the associated detection of cardiac arrhythmias in other countries as quickly as possible. How long it will take to get such permission remains to be seen. It could also happen that, for example, the German health authority comes to a different conclusion than its US colleagues. It is also unclear whether such an application has already been submitted here.

Further innovations in watchOS 5.1.2

In addition to stability improvements, there are some optimizations. Owners of an Apple Watch Series 4 are provided with additional "complications" for the Infograph and Infograph Modular watch faces. These include Mail, Messages, Home, Maps, Phone, Find Friends and Remote. Bug fixes have also been made.