Apple has disrupted its share of technology-based markets before—from the home computer to the phone. The latest product from the global behemoth has set its sights on cardiology. The new Apple Watch Series 4 comes with an FDA-approved electrocardiogram (ECG) feature.
The watch, which is 30 percent larger than the last iteration, will be able to detect cardiovascular abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation in 30 seconds. The results are then stored as a PDF on the Apple Health app. It is the first over-the-counter ECG consumer device to be approved by the FDA.
"Fitness is at the core of Apple Watch," Apple COO Jeff Williams said. "And while you could always check your heart rate ... it's become an intelligent guardian for your health."
Users can monitor heart activity by touching the watch’s crown, which allows it to pass a current through the wearer’s chest and monitor electrical signals in the heart.
The new Apple Watch retails for $399 and will be available Friday, Sept. 14.
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.