Reports are showing that Apple is having issues selling its new iPhone XS and XS Max. Apple fans are just no interesting in an “iPhone X look alike” and the Cupertino based tech giant has even been forced to cut down the price of iPhone XR in Japan in order to make the device more appealing to customers. The shocking thing about this is that iPhone XR hit the market only one month ago. On the other hand, Apple is having massive success with the newly released Watch Series 4.
Popular tech reviewers such as Marques Brownlee who runs the “MKBH” YouTube channel are saying that Watch Series 4 is the best smartwatch available on the market right now. One of the reasons why Watch Series 4 is so popular is because it’s the first wearable device to ship with an FDA certified ECG function. Luckily, Apple is rolling out a new update that helps users get important health information from the ECG function.
watchOS 5.1.2 is Now Available
The latest watchOS update from sports the 5.1.2 build number and it started rolling out OTA (over the air) a couple of days ago. The new update introduces a bunch of features, software tweaks and bug fixes. However, the most important thing that the new watchOS 5.1.12 update brings is the fact that it enhances the health information that Watch Series 4 can offer with the addition of a new ECG app. With that being said, let’s check out everything that the new update introduces.
What’s New?
- New ECG App
The first thing that Watch Series 4 owners are going to notice after installing the latest watchOS 5.1.2 update is that a new ECG app will appear on their screen. This app is currently exclusive to US residents, but we expect Apple to roll it out to other countries in the upcoming future. Nonetheless, the new ECG app lets users take an electrocardiogram that provides them results that are similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram.
The ECG app is also going to monitor the heart rhythm of the user and inform the user if there are any signs of atrial fibrillation or a sinus rhythm. This means that Watch Series 4 will prove to be a useful gadget for people who suffer from heart problems and need to keep a close eye on their heart rhythm.
Furthermore, the ECG app will also save all ECG waveforms, classification and other noted symptoms in a PDF that can be transferred over to the Health app on an iPhone. This is a great feature because Watch Series 4 owners will be able to take the PDF and show it to their doctors for further analysis.
- Hearth Rhythm Alerts
One of the most useful features that the new watchOS 5.1.2 update introduces is the ability to set alarms for specific heart rhythms. Once again, this proves that the ECG app will prove to be a life saver in cases where the Watch Series 4 owner suffers from hearth problems.
- Wallet Features
Leaving the ECG app aside, Watch Series 4 owners should be pleased to know that this latest update enhances the Wallet’s performances by introducing software support for: coupons, rewards cards and movie tickets. These can be activated when tapping the Watch Series 4 on a contactless reader in stores.
- Improved Infographics
watchOS 5.1.2 also adds new infographic compilations for the following native iOS apps: Messages, Find My Friends, Home, Mail, News, Maps, Remote and Phone.
Apple Speaks Out
Apple made sure to release a press statement in which it explains how Watch Series 4’s ECG function works and to show all Apple fans that the ECG function is FDA approved and that it won’t impact their health in any bad way.
“Electrodes built into the Digital Crown and the back crystal work together with the ECG app to read your heart’s electrical signals. Simply touch the Digital Crown to generate an ECG waveform in just 30 seconds. The ECG app can indicate whether your heart rhythm shows signs of atrial fibrillation — a serious form of irregular heart rhythm — or sinus rhythm, which means your heart is beating in a normal pattern.
Each beat of the heart sends out an electrical impulse. With the ECG app, Apple Watch Series 4 can read and record these impulses by connecting the circuit between your heart and both arms. The resulting ECG waveform, its classification, and any notes you’ve entered on related symptoms are automatically stored in the Health app on your iPhone. You can share them with your doctor and have a better-informed conversation about your health.”
How to Download watchOS 5.1.2
In case the update notification for watchOS 5.1.2 has yet to pop-up for you, then you can always manually download it and avoid having to wait for the notification to arrive. Fortunately, downloading the update can be done in a couple of easy steps.
- Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network;
- Open the “Apple Watch” app and then tap on “My Watch”;
- Access the “General” panel;
- Now, tap on “Software Update”;
- Tap on the “Download and Install” option;
- Type your iPhone passcode;
- Read the Terms and Condition (optional) and then tap on “Agree”;
- All that’s left now is to tap on the “Install” button on your iPhone and Watch Series 4.
Wrapping Things Up…
The new watchOS 5.1.2 update is a great addition to Watch Series 4 and it makes sure that Apple’s latest wearable device can hold its title of being the best smartwatch available on the market. Nonetheless, we have to give it to Apple for constantly improving its devices through software updates and for focusing on adding health features that will help people keep a close eye on their heart rhythm. Elderly Apple fans are the ones who will benefit most from the addition of the ECG app. There just isn’t any other smartwatch to offer accurate ECG cardiographs and this is one of the reasosn why Watch Series 4 is a bestselling device.