After announcing the watchOS 9 at the WWDC 2022 event in June and months-long beta testing, Apple has finally released the update to the public, along with iOS 16.
The latest update brings a new AFib History feature to compatible Apple Watch models which will be available in over 100 countries.
watchOS 9 AFib History will release in Australia later this fall
As such health features require medical approval before being launched in a country, they are gradually rolled out in different parts of the world. Luckily, the new AFib History feature on watchOS 9 will be available in more than 100 regions as per the information in the fine print of the announcement post.
The first-of-its-kind AFib History feature in watchOS 9 has received a number of local clearances and approvals from health authorities around the world, and will be available in more than 100 countries and territories, including the US, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Mexico, South Africa, the UK, and more. AFib History is coming to Australia later this fall.
Previously, the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 and later models could detect and alert users of undiagnosed irregular heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Now, the new AFib History allows users who are diagnosed with AFiB to track the time spent in or frequency of AFib which may impact their symptoms, quality of life, and risk of complications. By enabling the feature, users will have access to information like how frequently their heart rhythm shows signs of AFib over an extended period of time in the Health app and receive weekly notifications to understand the frequency.
Furthermore, the users will be able to view the history of lifestyle factors that may be influencing AFib like exercise, sleep, and alcohol consumption, and manage them effectively. For a consultation with their physician, users can download a PDF of their detailed history of AFib and lifestyle factors.
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