Apple has released the watchOS 7.6 update to users worldwide on Monday, July 19, bringing along with it the expanded availability of Apple Watch features related to the heart such as irregular rhythm notifications and ECG functionality.
In an update to Apple’s watchOS Feature Availability page, the watchOS 7.6 delivers ECG functionality to 30 additional countries and territories including Andorra, Cyprus, Fiji and Monaco.
Below is the complete list of countries that have been given Apple Watch heart monitoring features:
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Brunei
Bulgaria
Cook Islands
Cyprus
Dominica
Estonia
Fiji
French Southern Territories
Gibraltar
Guadeloupe
Guernsey
Haiti
Isle of Man
Jersey
Monaco
Montserrat
Nauru
Norfolk Islands
Seychelles
Slovenia
St. Barthélemy
St. Helena
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Martin
St. Vincent & Grenadines
Ukraine
Vatican City
The regions above also have access to irregular rhythm notifications, a key element of Apple’s heart health suite of features that alerts users if they are experiencing potentially dangerous heart rates and rhythms including atrial fibrillation. The feature is powered by the Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor and the Heart Rate app.
Just like single-lead ECGs used in health devices, Apple’s version uses electrodes placed inside Apple Watch’s case and Digital Crown to measure the heart’s electrical signals and create a waveform. Heart rate and rhythm data are then utilized to classify atrial fibrillation (AFib). Results can range from normal sinus rhythm to AFib, and slow or fast heart rate.
The ECG feature is available on the Apple Watch Series 4, 5 and 6.
The watchOS 7.6 update can be downloaded for free via the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update.
Source: AppleInsider