With Apple Watch Series 4’s announcement Apple also announced that the new Watch is capable of taking electrocardiogram (ECG), making it the first ECG-capable device that has been cleared by the FDA to be sold without a prescription. While the feature got everyone excited, the announcement was followed by a long wait since Apple said at the time of announcement that ECG feature will be available ‘later this year’.
Now it looks like the wait is finally getting over as according to internal Apple documents the feature will finally be made available to Series 4 users with the final release of watchOS 5.1.2. Apple is currently beta testing watchOS 5.1.2 and the feature is not available to beta testers, however it will become available once the software update is released to public.
Once ECG feature is launched, Apple Watch Series 4 users will be able to take their readings by holding their finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds.
The internal document that was obtained by MacRumors also carries instructions for Apple Store employees:
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.
While watchOS 5.1.2 is currently being beta tested, we cannot say for sure when the software will be released for public, however it should definitely be making its way to your Watch in the coming weeks.
