Interesting idea. Maybe in the future as Apple adds more sensors - things like skin resistance and such it could be done.
You mean Apple uses different hardware?
Interesting consideration. Terrible for those affected. I feel as if I had put on a defective watch.
It’s to prevent upskirting. If you try to take an explicit photo she’ll know it.
And it’s not as if Apple were claiming it would be easy to get regulatory approval. It took months in its own home country.
Apple today released watchOS 5.1.2, which enables the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 models. However, as Apple made clear, the ECG app is currently only available in the United States and its territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, preventing it from being used internationally at this time.
Many software features on Apple devices are initially limited to the United States, but international users have often been able to simply change their iPhone or Apple Watch region to the United States to gain access.
That's not the case with the the ECG app on the Apple Watch Series 4, though, as it only functions on models purchased in the United States. Those who live in and bought an Apple Watch in Canada, the UK, or elsewhere abroad can't use the region-switching trick to enable the ECG app -- it doesn't work.
Note that the ECG app requires an Apple Watch Series 4 with watchOS 5.1.2, paired with an iPhone 5s or newer with iOS 12.1.1.
Both the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications are regulated features on the Apple Watch. Both features have been granted De Novo classification by the FDA for users 22 years and older in the United States. Apple says people already diagnosed with atrial fibrillation should not use the app.
It's unclear when the ECG app will expand to additional countries, but Apple Watch Series 4 models sold internationally do have the necessary electrical heart sensor. Apple is likely in the process of gaining clearance for the ECG app in other countries, but it has yet to comment on wider availability.
Article Link: Changing Your Apple Watch or iPhone's Region Won't Enable ECG App Outside of United States
Apple today released watchOS 5.1.2, which enables the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 models. However, as Apple made clear, the ECG app is currently only available in the United States and its territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, preventing it from being used internationally at this time.
Many software features on Apple devices are initially limited to the United States, but international users have often been able to simply change their iPhone or Apple Watch region to the United States to gain access.
That's not the case with the the ECG app on the Apple Watch Series 4, though, as it only functions on models purchased in the United States. Those who live in and bought an Apple Watch in Canada, the UK, or elsewhere abroad can't use the region-switching trick to enable the ECG app -- it doesn't work.
Note that the ECG app requires an Apple Watch Series 4 with watchOS 5.1.2, paired with an iPhone 5s or newer with iOS 12.1.1.
Both the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications are regulated features on the Apple Watch. Both features have been granted De Novo classification by the FDA for users 22 years and older in the United States. Apple says people already diagnosed with atrial fibrillation should not use the app.
It's unclear when the ECG app will expand to additional countries, but Apple Watch Series 4 models sold internationally do have the necessary electrical heart sensor. Apple is likely in the process of gaining clearance for the ECG app in other countries, but it has yet to comment on wider availability.
Article Link: Changing Your Apple Watch or iPhone's Region Won't Enable ECG App Outside of United States
That doesn't make sense. It would mean apple put a hardware restriction, and we know Apple doesn't do that or they wouldn't be able to enable the ECG feature in other countries at a later date when they get approval. Apple sells the same Apple Watch Series 4 everywhere and the restriction is software based.
If the watch is bought from US it will work everywhere.
The only condition for the app to work is to have the watch from US and nothing else!
I’m from Europe, phone from Europe, region to Europe, watch bought from US. ECK is working fine
Just remember that the cellular function of the GPS + Cellular watch purchased in the US will not work outside of the US, Canada and Mexico. So… buyer beware !
This is not the type of innovation we want Tim!
It’s seen as a big issue. There are posters on many Tokyo metro escalators pointing out it’s not a nice thing to do!
Mark your words? Says someone with absolutely no knowledge of the EMA regulatory framework for similar medical monitoring devices. Oh and before you mention the B-word, looks like the mutual recognition process will be retrospectively applied for filings already in process like the Apple ECG app.
Such as they don’t want to fall foul of the ASA? But don’t let common sense get in the way of your hand-wringing...
Why do people keep saying this? NEVER, YEARS, etc. Based on zero evidence or indeed knowledge of the global medical regulatory landscape. Honestly
