Apple Watch ECG feature rumored to be coming to Japan and Brazil
Apple is said to be preparing for the expansion of Apple Watch’s ECG feature, which allows users to perform an electrocardiogram to show whether their heart rhythm indicates signs of atrial fibrillation or a normal sinus rhythm, for launch to users in Japan and Brazil.
Filings uncovered by Japanese blog Mac Otakara this week claim Apple was added as a “certified entity” to the country’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) list of registered foreign manufacturers in March, suggesting the ECG feature was being prepared for launch.
9to5Mac also report that in the same month, Apple was given approval by the Brazilian government to launch the electrocardiogram feature to users across Brazil.
ECG functionality launched with the Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018, and was carried across to Apple Watch Series 5 which launched last year. 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.