14 DAY TRIAL // A new report coming from Bloomberg suggests that Apple is developing an Apple Watch model, which could be released next year, that will feature a built-in EKG heart monitor.
According to the report, is currently developing an advanced heart-monitoring feature that should be compatible only with future models of its Apple Watch smartwatch. Apple recently partnered with Stanford for a heart study to detect irregular heart rhythms and notify users in time before it's too late.
This move appears to be part of Apple's plans to turn its Apple Watch smartwatch into a serious medical device that could save people's lives. The device already comes with a built-in heart monitor feature, but EKG (Electrocardiogram) would elevate it to the next level.
"A version being tested requires users to squeeze the frame of the Apple Watch with two fingers from the hand that’s not wearing the device, one of the people said. It then passes an imperceptible current across the person’s chest to track electrical signals in the heart and detect any abnormalities like irregular heart rates," said Bloomberg.
An FDA-approved EKG reader is already available for Apple Watch
If you're not yet aware, there's already an FDA-approved EKG reader available for the Apple Watch, in the form of a band called Alivecor KardiaBand that owners need to purchase separately for a couple of hundred dollars, and it also requires an annual subscription if you want to take full advantage of its features.
Building the EKG functionality directly into the Apple Watch as a sensor will save more lives and make the electrocardiogram functionality more accessible for everyone. With that in mind, it would appear that future Apple Watch devices will worth your hard earned money and won't be just another luxury wearable on your wrist.