Apple working to integrate ECG into next smartwatch

Apple is reportedly working on an integrated heart-monitoring feature for the next model of its Watch Series, according to Bloomberg.

The company is said to be working on a way for users of the Apple Watch to record an electrocardiogram (ECG) by squeezing the frame of the smartwatch. The feature would work by passing a current across the user’s chest to monitor electrical signals in the heart. This would allow users to detect any changes in the rhythm of the heart and potentially be alerted to any serious heart problems.

An attachable sensor that can capture ECGs was recently cleared for use with the Apple Watch by the FDA. KardiaBand attaches to the Apple Watch’s strap and lets users record an ECG in around 30 seconds.

Apple also recently launched a heart study app alongside Stanford Medicine to gather data on irregular heart rhythms.

Reports suggest that while Apple is looking into the technology, it may not include the feature in future products.

The move would definitely push the smartwatch into the territory of medical device regulation, something that the company’s CEO, Tim Cook has said he is reluctant to do.

“We don’t want to put the watch through the FDA process. I wouldn’t mind putting something adjacent to the watch through it, but not the watch, because it would hold us back from innovating too much, the cycles are too long. But you can begin to envision other things that might be adjacent to it — maybe an app, maybe something else.” Cook said.