Apple Watch ECG function seems to be coming to Europe in watchOS 5.2

The Apple Watch ECG function on the come to Europe quickly. Documentation in iOS 12.2 gives the impression that the feature has been approved and is ready to be introduced in watchOS 5.2. We now have to wait for the update to watchOS 5.2.

ECG function comes to Europe in watchOS 5.2

IOS 12.2 was released on Monday evening, a relatively large update with numerous new features. However, there also appear to be indications for the ECG function on the Apple Watch. A document with ‘Instructions for Use’ in the Health app appears to reveal the plans.

The text shows a CE mark to indicate that it has been approved for the European Economic Area (EEA). The text also states that the ECG app is available on the Apple Watch Series 4, equipped with watchOS 5.2, if it is linked to an iPhone 5or newer, with iOS 12.2. This would also apply to regions outside the US. Until now, the feature could only be officially used on Apple Watch Series 4 models purchased in the US. For others, Apple had blocked the function with software.

Apple Watch ECG function comes

The text can be found via Health > Data> Heart> Electrocardiogram (ECG)> Info . Support in the EEA means that all EU countries can use it, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The text reads:

For US Regions: The ECG app is available on Apple Watch Series 4 with watchOS 5.1.2 or later, paired with iPhone 5s or later or iOS 12.1.1 or later.
For non-US regions: The ECG app is available on Apple Watch Series 4 with watchOS 5.2 paired with iPhone 5s or iOS 12.2 or later.

iCulture reader Stephan sent us the Dutch screenshots below, which he got to see after the installation of iOS 12.2. However, he could not activate the function yet, because watchOS 5.2 has not yet been released and because he has an Apple Watch Series 3.

Apple introduced the ECG app at the same time as the Apple Watch Series 4, following approval from the US approval authority, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since then, there have been many stories from users who, thanks to the ECG function, discovered a heart condition. It is still unclear when watchOS 5.2 will be available, but we expect it this week.

All other updates ( iOS 12.2, tvOS 12.2 and macOS Mojave 10.14.4 appeared Monday evening after the keynote in which only services were announced. The newly announced Apple News + subscription service is immediately available on iOS and in macOS, but you must live in a supported region (or use it via a trick). For now, it is officially only available in the US and Canada, followed later by Australia and the UK.