The much-awaited EKG feature for the Apple Watch is finally available. The company unveiled it alongside its new smartwatch a couple of months ago. It pointed out that the Apple Watch Series 4 was the first consumer device of its kind to come with the ability to take an electrocardiogram on the wrist. The feature wasn’t available at launch but it’s rolling out now as part of a software update.
Not only has Apple made the EKG feature available for Series 4 owners starting today, it’s also enabling all of its smartwatches to provide users with an irregular rate notification. This feature will even be available on the Apple Watch Series 1. Both of these features are included in watchOS 5.1.2 that’s rolling out today.
The Series 4 is capable of taking an EKG by using the electrodes on its rear panel and the digital crown. Even though the hardware was there on the first day, the software support wasn’t. It has taken Apple almost three months to get the feature ready for public use.
The EKG app can now be launched on the Apple Watch Series 4 and a reading can be taken by resting the finger lightly on the crown for 30 seconds. This feature is only available to users in the United States for now.
Filed in . Read more about Apple Watch.