The Apple Watch 4 stole the show at the Apple event in September, in large part due to its built-in electrocardiogram (ECG). The smartwatch was touted as the first consumer device to pack the function — which goes one further from detecting a low heart rate to sense a dangerous condition known as an atrial fibrillation.
READ MORE: Ohio First Self-driving Shuttle Service Begins On December 10th
Fast forward almost three months, and The Verge reports that the feature is available today courtesy of the latest watchOS update (5.1.2.), along with an irregular rate notification feature for Apple Watches going back to Series 1.
The FDA has previously warned that the ECG app is for “informational use only” and “should not be used by people under 22 years old.” The regulator also noted that user’s should not take “clinical action” solely based on the device’s data readings and should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
READ MORE: First Baby Born Via Uterus Transplanted From Dead Donor
Some medical experts have also said that Apple Watch wearers may draw false positives form the app, resulting in unneeded trips to the doctors or even ER. Apple has today reiterated the FDA’s warnings to The Verge, adding that the features are definitely not diagnostic tools. The company also recently extended its Apple Watch return period, from two weeks to 45 days, but only for heart feature issues.
For now, the ECG function is only available in the US, and should be rolling out via the WatchOS 5.1.2 update.
Update 12/6/18 8:10am ET: The Verge has since pulled its article detailing the upcoming update. Our story referencing that report remains above.
This article is as published by Engadget prior to the release of the said apple watch on 6th December 2018
