Apple’s imminent iOS 14.2 and watchOS 7.1 releases will enable electrocardiogram (ECG) and irregular heart rhythm notification features on the Apple Watch in Russia and South Korea.
Apple on Monday announced [Google Translate] the enabling of the new features in South Korea, and Meduza reports the ECG app for Apple Watch Series 4 and later will also be available in Russia with the release of iOS 14.2 and watchOS 7. (Via MacRumors)
While Apple hasn’t announced an exact release date for the updates, both are expected very soon, based on the press release and Apple’s release of an iOS 14.2 “Release Candidate” that was pushed out to developers and public beta testers on Friday.
While the word was released back in August that Apple had received ECG approval in South Korea, it has taken Apple a few months to ready the public release.
The ECG feature is now available in nearly 50 countries for Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and 6. The ECG functionality allows Apple Watch users to place their finger on the device’s Digital Crown, and 30 seconds later have a reading you can send to your doctor if the results are anything but normal sinus rhythm.
The irregular heart rhythm notification feature also periodically checks a users’ heart rhythm in the background and sends a notification if an irregular heart rhythm is identified.