Apple Watch ECG FUNCTION ! (In other countries)

Azathoth123 said:
Our famous American President, Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) said ‘Don’t believe everything that you read on the internet.’ So just because you can’t find evidence of an application doesn’t mean that there isn’t one or that Apple is not working on it.

The ECG feature is one that Apple wants to implement but there are several possible reasons why it has not been seen on other countries, for example:

- the countries’ health offices said ‘No’ so there is no point in an application.
- Apple watches are regional, so to activate the feature, you'd need the approval of all countries in the region unless Apple is able to activate the feature country-by-country.

That said, I am in the US and have the ECG feature. I’ve used it once when I got the watch, mostly just to see that it worked (it did). I have not used it since, I’ve only taken the single ECG.

It is important to note that all Apple Watches screen for irregular heart rhythm, you just don’t get the ‘printout’ scroll down to ‘Irregular Rythm Notification’ here:

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018...-notification-available-today-on-apple-watch/

If you really want the ECG ‘printout’ function, you have several options, the US Apple Watch Series 4 is not the only one:

- the Cardiogram app
- dedicated monitors which are available for around $100

I would also imagine that obtaining a US version of the S4 Watch if you’re outside the US market is not going to be a huge hurdle for most of the tech-savvy MR members.

It is a bit concerning to see MR threads from people who clearly want to use the function for reasons for which Apple has said it is not suited or intended - there’s a reason for that. It is a screening function, not a ‘problem monitoring’ function (unless directed by your physician). Even on a US S4, if you answer that you’ve been diagnosed with AF when setting up the Watch, the ECG function will not be available.
Click to expand...

For each INDIVIDUAL country to approve , APPLE first need to SUBMIT THE REQUEST.

I have repeatedly replied that in my country the “FDA “ have replied , APPLE DID NOT RAISE A REQUEST .

Also thanks for the suggestion , the cardiogram app is interesting but that will be ONTOP of the Apple Watch 4 right?
A USD $ 100 annually ?

So I am supposed to pay another extra amount for a function that is SUPPOSSEDLY already intergrated into the Apple WATCH 4 ?

May I ask a question, Do you have inside info or proof that Apple is working on releasing ECG to other countries and if so what was the dates ?
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TheAppleFairy said:
....or possibly your governments' inaction. either way, we know it's not approved for Singapore yet...and you don't need to "let people know" because Apple hasn't advertised this as a feature in your country anyway.
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Yes correct but if you are here, most of our forum keep saying they are expecting the ECG to roll out soon.
I am one of them.

If I know some information, it is only right to share it with my fellow consumers who are expecting for something that will not come.

And my gov have replied, APPLE DID NOT RAISE A REQUEST TO ENABLE ECG for Apple Watch.
I am unsure what other words to emphasize APPLE not raising a request.

I am curious why you would rather I withhold information on the ECG ?
It is pertinent information for those who wished and believe the sole reason they are buying the Apple Watch.
This information would have no affect to those who are buying the watch for other reasons .

And true Apple did not , but most of the buyers here ASSUMED IT based on the presentation video before.
 
zulkiflim said:
For each INDIVIDUAL country to approve , APPLE first need to SUBMIT THE REQUEST.

I have repeatedly replied that in my country the “FDA “ have replied , APPLE DID NOT RAISE A REQUEST .

Also thanks for the suggestion , the cardiogram app is interesting but that will be ONTOP of the Apple Watch 4 right?
A USD $ 100 annually ?

So I am supposed to pay another extra amount for a function that is SUPPOSSEDLY already intergrated into the Apple WATCH 4 ?

May I ask a question, Do you have inside info or proof that Apple is working on releasing ECG to other countries and if so what was the dates ?
[doublepost=1551346615][/doublepost]
Click to expand...

They say that they are working on expanding ECG, I believe them, you do not. That’s pretty much the end of that.

Cardiogram is a free app. Do a Google search for ‘Cardiogram app’.

The best thing for you to do is sell your Watch and buy a US model - or get the free Cardiogram app. Posts to forums aren’t going to do anything to help you with your current model.
 
Azathoth123 said:
They say that they are working on expanding ECG, I believe them, you do not. That’s pretty much the end of that.

Cardiogram is a free app. Do a Google search for ‘Cardiogram app’.

The best thing for you to do is sell your Watch and buy a US model - or get the free Cardiogram app. Posts to forums aren’t going to do anything to help you with your current model.
Click to expand...

May I ask where did Apple say they are expanding the ECG function ? Is it in the video ?
Or do you have other proof and if it has a date ?
Pls do share....


And the cardiogram app if a freemium app.


I post to this forum to share with everyone that instead of waiting for Apple to suddenly surprise us, we can take th proactive step to ask our own individual goverment right ?

I am sharing my experience , is that wrong ?
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TheAppleFairy said:
I highly doubt that and there is no way to prove that. Stop harassing your government offices. They don’t owe you any information about Apple.
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I am unsure about your country, but goverment are supposed to work for the citizens right ?

And I have received permission from my gov to share the email with Apple first, and see their reply.
 
Start at 13:30.


No date given, of course they can’t give a date when some other agency will approve something.

The regional limitations are also listed here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208955

The Cardiogram in app purchases are for sharing and support, it apparently still works fine as a free version and you could always do screenshots or just subscribe for a month if it’s important enough to you.

Nothing wrong with complaining, but Apple has been clear about the regional limitations IMO, what else would you want them to do?
 
Azathoth123 said:
Start at 13:30.


No date given, of course they can’t give a date when some other agency will approve something.

The regional limitations are also listed here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208955

The Cardiogram in app purchases are for sharing and support, it apparently still works fine as a free version and you could always do screenshots or just subscribe for a month if it’s important enough to you.

Nothing wrong with complaining, but Apple has been clear about the regional limitations IMO, what else would you want them to do?
Click to expand...


Yep, from video we can ASSUME that Apple had raised a request .
Like I say before Legal wise, Apple is not at fault.
Apple did not mention the date nor the country .

And yet from the discussion at Apple there are many question on when ECG will be released.

Apple reply is just , No ECG is not released to ( country ) yet.

But for MY country , APPLE DID NOT raise a request .
Thus it prudent for a consumer like myself to share this knowledge to others who i wishes to buy the Apple Watch DUE to the ECG function.
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MrGimper said:
While it will be nice to have ECG capability in the UK, it should NEVER have been a purchasing decision if you live outside the US
Click to expand...


Correct but as a consumer who want the ECG function should not we FIND out before purchase?

If we are to take the video at face value, it say “ pending regulatory approval”, most consumer would think , Yep its coming ,so I will just buy first .

So this thread is simply telling consumers , that we have the option to ask our own individual gov what is taking so long to approve correct ?
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TheAppleFairy said:
Is it still illegal to sell gum in Singapore?
Click to expand...

Yep and thank god...

Here we have a joke, people who eat gum are eating used condom from Singapore.
 
Love how zulkiflim is completely trusting his government when they say Apple hasn't filed a request yet.

Like many people already stated: you still don't know. If Apple has an NDA, they have to say Apple hasn't asked anything even if they did.

Reminds me of this nice paradigm: ask an honest person and a liar if they're a liar and they will both answer no.
 
BlankStar said:
Love how zulkiflim is completely trusting his government when they say Apple hasn't filed a request yet.

Like many people already stated: you still don't know. If Apple has an NDA, they have to say Apple hasn't asked anything even if they did.

Reminds me of this nice paradigm: ask an honest person and a liar if they're a liar and they will both answer no.
Click to expand...


For this there are 2 parties, my gov and and Apple.

I have asked my gov and they replied Negative.Apple have not raised a request.

I now have received permission to use my correspondence with my GOV to ask Apple directly.

I have since sent Apple an email and will follow thru with a call after adequate waiting period.

In my email to Apple, I have asked for the date they raised the request.

By the way, if my GOV have an NDA , their reply would be different.

May I ask, have you asked your Gov ? If so why not?
 
zulkiflim said:
For this there are 2 parties, my gov and and Apple.

I have asked my gov and they replied Negative.Apple have not raised a request.

I now have received permission to use my correspondence with my GOV to ask Apple directly.

I have since sent Apple an email and will follow thru with a call after adequate waiting period.

In my email to Apple, I have asked for the date they raised the request.

By the way, if my GOV have an NDA , their reply would be different.

May I ask, have you asked your Gov ? If so why not?
Click to expand...

Did you ever consider that as this function is a toy, it may be prohibited from sale in regions and therefore no application has been or ever will be submitted?
 
Da_Hood said:
Did you ever consider that as this function is a toy, it may be prohibited from sale in regions and therefore no application has been or ever will be submitted?
Click to expand...

Well that come down to TRUST .

Do I trust Apple, it’s product and CLAIMS ?

Yes so much that all of my immediate families use Apple products from iPhone to Mac exclusively.

May is ask do you know something we don’t ?

Apple released this “ toy “ in the USA , a trigger lawsuit happy country , a country where you can get sued for not having “hot content” label when you order a hot drink.

Would Apple take the risk to get sued ?

May i ask have YOU asked your gov if Apple have raised a request?
 
Guys, some people here take this way too seriously. That definitely is not good for the heart.

Fact is, when you bought the Apple Watch it wasn't available for your country and there was no announcement of Apple that they will inform you when this will be expanded to your country. That's what you agreed to when you made the purchase.

If Apple did not yet make a request at your relevant government authority it doesn't say anything about their intentions. Not a thing.

Accept it and live in peace.
 
That’s a good perspective @baldachin - the ECG charting function only works when you initiate it on the US S4, but the irregular rhythm monitoring takes place pretty much all the time with S1 and newer I believe. The ECG might be useful if you receive an unusual rhythm notification, but hopefully you’d be on the way to seek proper medical attention at that point anyway.

I wouldn’t go so far as to call the ECG charting a toy or gimmick, but it ‘s usefulness seems very small compared to the irregular rhythm monitoring.
 
@Azathoth123 I am very much looking forward to when Apple will release the ECG function in my country. You are right, if the heart is well then a couple of tests will be all one will do with it. But if it can detect current anomalies that you are not aware of it can instantly be super helpful, if not life saving.

From that viewpoint I see this feature as a crucial step in where the Apple Watch is going.
 
i personally dont care about ecg, but what bothers me is that apparently apple has no interest to get the function ”working” anywhere else - and that is the problem. Apple has already many, many things that arent working here:
- homepod
- news app
- ecg
- siri in atv
- refurbished items
- lacking apple care for apple watch and iphone
- monthly payments (for iphone)
- trade in programs

and i have probably missed something. that is already a long list that apple havent provided here but they exist. For example, why a customer in usa can buy an apple care for apple watch and accidentally break it (two incidents) and get a new one but here when you break it you have to buy a new one by yourself.

and the list is only growing. that would be fine, if i didnt have to pay the same price when lacking features and services. but we are paying the same price but not having the same benefits. that is the problem.
 
mrex said:
i personally dont care about ecg, but what bothers me is that apparently apple has no interest to get the function ”working” anywhere else - and that is the problem.
Click to expand...

There is no indication at all for that being only slightly true. Releasing a medical grade feature worldwide is no piece of cake. Apple has BIG interest in releasing it worldwide, they will increase sales abroad as soon as this is released in other countries. But its not that simple. For Europe they need to get CE certification and that is a very slow process. There is no way around it.
 
mrex said:
i personally dont care about ecg, but what bothers me is that apparently apple has no interest to get the function ”working” anywhere else - and that is the problem. Apple has already many, many things that arent working here:
- homepod
- news app
- ecg
- siri in atv
- refurbished items
- lacking apple care for apple watch and iphone
- monthly payments (for iphone)
- trade in programs

and i have probably missed something. that is already a long list that apple havent provided here but they exist. For example, why a customer in usa can buy an apple care for apple watch and accidentally break it (two incidents) and get a new one but here when you break it you have to buy a new one by yourself.

and the list is only growing. that would be fine, if i didnt have to pay the same price when lacking features and services. but we are paying the same price but not having the same benefits. that is the problem.
Click to expand...

This is a great post calling out Apples total lack of care outside the US. We pay full price but only get part of the functionality.
 
baldachin said:
Guys, some people here take this way too seriously. That definitely is not good for the heart.

Fact is, when you bought the Apple Watch it wasn't available for your country and there was no announcement of Apple that they will inform you when this will be expanded to your country. That's what you agreed to when you made the purchase.

If Apple did not yet make a request at your relevant government authority it doesn't say anything about their intentions. Not a thing.

Accept it and live in peace.
Click to expand...


I agree wholeheartedly.
Consumers need to know when a function may not be able for the foreseeable future .

It will determine their purchasing decision and make a rational, informed choice .

That’s why every consumer who want to buy an Apple Watch should take proactive steps or do research , as I have done .
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mrex said:
i personally dont care about ecg, but what bothers me is that apparently apple has no interest to get the function ”working” anywhere else - and that is the problem. Apple has already many, many things that arent working here:
- homepod
- news app
- ecg
- siri in atv
- refurbished items
- lacking apple care for apple watch and iphone
- monthly payments (for iphone)
- trade in programs

and i have probably missed something. that is already a long list that apple havent provided here but they exist. For example, why a customer in usa can buy an apple care for apple watch and accidentally break it (two incidents) and get a new one but here when you break it you have to buy a new one by yourself.

and the list is only growing. that would be fine, if i didnt have to pay the same price when lacking features and services. but we are paying the same price but not having the same benefits. that is the problem.
Click to expand...


Hope that you can reach out to your goverment agency responsible and get their response if Apple have roasted a request and the date of applications.
[doublepost=1551824610][/doublepost]
baldachin said:
There is no indication at all for that being only slightly true. Releasing a medical grade feature worldwide is no piece of cake. Apple has BIG interest in releasing it worldwide, they will increase sales abroad as soon as this is released in other countries. But its not that simple. For Europe they need to get CE certification and that is a very slow process. There is no way around it.
Click to expand...


Agreed , getting approval worldwide is difficult.

But so far HOW MANY countries have ECG been rolled out ?
And the count has remained stagnant.

Again in your post, you assumed that Apple will release the ECG .
As do every other consumer who have already BOUGHT the Apple Watch. Assumption.

I would ask that you approach your country “FDA” to get a clear answer.

To get Approval, the requester must first make a REQUEST .
 
In the UK, under the Heart app settings for the watch in iOS 12.2 it let me setup the ECG function. The actual ECG app is still not found on my watch, but it is a change and perhaps points to it coming soon to the UK?

EDIT: I should have made clear -- I have been on the developer betas of iOS 12.2 and watchOS 5.2. This new change popped up after the release yesterday of 12.2 following the keynote. I have not seen a new version of watchOS 5.2 yet, but am hopeful the ECG app may be in there since I was now able to turn on additional settings related to it that were not previously there....
 
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