iOS 12.2 suggests ECG app may launch in the UK and other European countries with watchOS 5.2
Apple appears to be readying its ECG app for launch in the UK and other European countries suggests iOS 12.2, with the update showing users outside the United States a new ECG on-boarding screen ahead of the public release of watchOS 5.2 expected later this week.
A handful of Apple Watch users quickly took to social media after installing iOS 12.2 today to report setup screens in the Apple Watch and Health apps on the iPhone after installing the latest software update from Apple, although the on-boarding screen doesn’t appear to properly be working, most likely due to the fact watchOS 5.2 hasn’t been released.
In addition to the new screens, there’s new documentation in the Health app in iOS 12.2 under ECG’s “Instructions for Use” that also hints at upcoming support for the UK and other European countries. Apple notes “for non-US regions” the ECG app is available on Apple Watch Series 4 with watchOS 5.2 paired with iPhone 5s or iOS 12.2 or later.
Another big indicator that the currently US-exclusive ECG app will venture “across the pond” is a new CE mark for the ECG feature in iOS 12.2 in the same document, which, as 9to5Mac points out, indicates that Apple may be planning to expand ECG functionality to all European Economic Area countries that use the CE certification mark.
The app for Apple Watch Series 4 allows watch wearers to perform an electrocardiogram to show whether your heart rhythm indicates signs of atrial fibrillation, a serious form of irregular heart rhythm, or a normal sinus rhythm.
Taking an ECG on the Apple Watch Series 4 is a very simple process. Users can take readings by holding their finger for thirty seconds on the Digital Crown while using the special Apple-designed ECG app that syncs data to the iPhone connected with the Apple Watch.