Apple has released watchOS 5.3, restoring Walkie-Talkie functionality on Apple Watch following the discovery of a bug which could allow a stranger to eavesdrop on conversations by listening to audio recorded from the Apple Watch, and then shared without consent.
The update, released alongside iOS 12.4 on Monday, provides “important security updates including a fix for the Walkie-Talkie app.”
In addition to fixing the Walkie-Talkie bug, watchOS 5.3 also adds the ECG app for users in Canada and Singapore. ECG support allows Apple Watch Series 4 owners to check whether their heart rhythm indicates signs of atrial fibrillation, a serious form of irregular heart rhythm, or a normal sinus rhythm.
ECG support is now available in the United States, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, US Virgin Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Iceland, Poland, Slovakia, Canada and Singapore.
watchOS 5.3 is available now to download. Users can open the Watch app on their iPhone, tap General -> Software Update to install the update. – The Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, be placed on its charger, and within range of the iPhone.