Apple Watch ECG feature debuts in Australia and Vietnam with watchOS 7.4

Apple is set to debut Apple Watch's ECG feature in Australia and Vietnam with an upcoming update to the watchOS operating system, according to a report on Tuesday.

Apple continues to gain regulatory approval for its Apple Watch ECG feature, a technology first introduced in select regions with Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018.

According to 9to5Mac, users in Australia and Vietnam will soon be able to take electrocardiogram readings and receive irregular rhythm notifications on their wrist. The health features are set to launch with the release of watchOS 7.4.

Apple on Tuesday pushed out release candidates for iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, tvOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, and confirmed iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 see release next week. The company is expected to issue watchOS 7.4 at the same time or shortly thereafter.

Apple Watch ECG functionality was added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods in February, suggesting that testing for government approval was underway.

Similar to single-lead ECGs used in consumer health devices, Apple's solution uses electrodes placed in Apple Watch's case and Digital Crown to measure electrical signals from the heart and produce a waveform. Heart rate and rhythm data are then used to classify AFib, or atrial fibrillation. Results range from normal sinus rhythm to AFib and low or heart rate.

The ECG feature is available on Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5 and Series 6.