Apple Watch Series 4 and above receive ECG app, atrial fibrillation detection with Apple WatchOS 6 update

Apple introduced some life-saving features like the ECG app and the ability to detect atrial fibrillation or AFib with its Apple Watch Series 4. However, the options were only available for Apple watch devices available in the US and were introduced in the Apple Watch 5 as well. Now, these features are finally being rolled out to Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 in India with the latest WatchOS 6 update. After the update, ECG app and AFib detection options will be available and a user can take an electrocardiogram via the devices. 

“We are confident in the ability of these features to help users have more informed conversations with their physicians,” said Sumbul Desai, MD, Apple’s vice president of Health. “With the ECG app and irregular rhythm notification feature, customers can now better understand aspects of their heart health in a more meaningful way.” The ECG app makes use of the electrodes built into the back crystal and Digital Crown of Apple Series 4 and Series 5 watches. Booting up the watch on the supported Apple Watch models and touching the Digital Crown takes AFib readings. As per Apple, it takes about 30 seconds for the heart rhythm to be classified as either AFib, sinus rhythm or inconclusive.

The optical heart sensor on Apple Watch is used to occasionally detect a user’s heart rhythm in the background. If the device picks up signs of an irregular heart rhythm that appears to be Afib on five rhythm check over a minimum of 65 minutes, the watch sends a notification to alert the user. 

Apple Watch Series 4 and Watch Series 5 are one of the first smartwatches to offer ECG feature in India. Smartwatches by rivals do come with features like heart rate monitoring and blood pressure measurement but they don’t offer ECG or detecting AFib yet. 

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