Why availability of ECG is not universal, which can be used in any countries.

I bought Apple watch since Series 1 and continue buying a new release until Series 4. I bought series 4 because of ECG function. However, until this day ECG still not available in my country, Thailand. I would like to know why it is available in some countries and not in other countries. I don't know why Apple did not release it as international availability, as I think Apple Watch ECG is not certified as medical device (If so, then it is understood that certification for each country is needed). I think ECG function is similar to heart monitor function as it is vital sign monitoring, but only heart rate monitoring is internationally available when Apple Watch is released. I decided not to buy newer version of Apple Watch until ECG function is available, at least in Thailand, period!


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Posted on Nov 13, 2019 6:15 PM

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6 replies

Nov 13, 2019 6:26 PM in response to apidej

Because ECG is considered a medical device, and governments to not take kindly to companies that shell unapproved medical devices. It can result in heavy fines and banning the companies devices.


Since the Apple Watch is much more than an ECG device, Apple does not want to have it banned because they flaunted the laws of the 200+ countries on this planet.

Nov 21, 2019 7:41 AM in response to Community User

Thank you. Actually, I regularly check Apple feature-availability website. When new update is available, I always hope it will be available in Thailand, but none so far. I intend to check with Thai FDA whether Apple has apply to use this feature and what is the status to know for sure. In the mean time, I'll just use Series 4 until this feature is available in my country.

Nov 14, 2019 3:19 AM in response to apidej

Apple don't know when it will be available in other countries,that is down to each country's government inividually to approve the ECG app.If you go to apple website it tells you which countries support ECG so you know wether to buy the watch or not.

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Why availability of ECG is not universal, which can be used in any countries.

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