The recently released watchOS 8.3 and iOS 15.2 release candidates bring support for ECG in China. The feature had received ‘medical device’ approval in China in June 2021, however, it is only being released to developers with the new release candidates, and will likely be rolled out to the general public in a few days.
Electrocardiogram or ECG is used to record electrical signals from the heart to check for different heart conditions. This feature, which previously required large medical equipment, was introduced to Apple Watch with Series 4 and continues to be available until Series 7.
ECG support for Apple Watch coming to China with watchOS 8.3
ECG support was first launched in the United States with Apple Watch Series 4, and it has been rolling out around the world ever since, once it receives regulatory approval from the respective local medical authorities.
After receiving regulatory approval in China in June 2021, watchOS 8 beta 2 in China received support for ECG readings, however, the feature was not part of the final release of watchOS 8. It seems that Apple has been able to overcome whatever was the delaying factor at that stage, as per ITHOME.
Alongside the ECG feature, watchOS 8.3 will be released with support for Apple Music Voice Plan, a new tier that costs just $4.99/month and works only with Siri, as well as App Privacy Report. iOS 15.2 will also be released soon with Apple Music Voice Plan, App Privacy Report, Messages Communication Safety for kids, Digital Legacy for Apple ID, macro photo control for iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, TV app design update, and much more.
The previous major software update for Apple Watch was watchOS 8.1 which featured SharePlay, enhanced fall detection and COVID-19 vaccination cards in Wallet.
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