What Apple Watch Has ECG? Full List + How It Works [2025 Guide]

by Emily Johnson
What Apple Watch Has ECG? Full List + How It Works

If you're wondering what Apple Watch has ECG, you're probably thinking about your heart.

Maybe your doctor mentioned something about AFib, and now you're taking a closer look at your heart health.

Or maybe you're simply health-conscious and curious—just trying to stay one step ahead.

Then again, maybe you're upgrading your wearable and want that next-level heart monitoring feature.

Whatever the case, you're in the right place.

Whatever the case, this guide gives you every single detail — in plain English — about which Apple Watches come with ECG, how it works, how accurate it is, and why it actually matters.


 Key Takeaways

  • Starting with the basics—Apple Watch Series 4 and newer all include the ECG feature, giving you on-the-spot heart data right from your wrist.

  • However, it’s worth noting that the Apple Watch SE, no matter the version, doesn’t support ECG—so keep that in mind if you’re deciding between models.

  • But there's one more catch: you'll need to be in a country where ECG is approved by regulators for it to even work.

  • Still, if you’ve got the right model and you're in the right region, this feature is a game changer.

  • ECG on Apple Watch can help detect AFib, irregular rhythms, and other heart health issues—and it does it all in real time.

  • Even better? It’s FDA-cleared and seamlessly syncs with your iPhone’s Health app, making it super easy to share your data with your doctor when it counts most.


What Apple Watch Has ECG?

Let’s get straight to it.

Apple added the ECG feature starting with Series 4.

Here are the models that support it:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 

  • Apple Watch Series 5 

  • Apple Watch Series 6 

  • Apple Watch Series 7 

  • AppleSeries 8 

  • Apple Watch Series 9 

  • Apple Watch Ultra & Ultra 2 

  • Apple SE (1st, 2nd Gen)  — No ECG support

Not sure what model you have? Use this Apple Watch identification guide.


 What Is the ECG Feature on Apple Watch?

So, what exactly is ECG?

It stands for electrocardiogram—a test that reads the electrical signals in your heart to check for irregularities.

Traditionally, getting an ECG meant heading to the hospital, lying down, and getting wired up to a big, clunky machine.

But now?

Apple shrunk that technology down and packed it into a tiny sensor on your wrist.

Yep, your watch can now perform the kind of test that used to require a whole visit to the cardiologist.

It detects:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – a common heart condition that increases stroke risk

  • Normal sinus rhythm – meaning your heart’s beating normally

  • Inconclusive results – if your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or inconsistently

While it’s not a replacement for a doctor, it’s an amazing early warning system.

Want to style your watch while you’re at it? Check out our Apple Watch bands collection — practical, stylish, ECG-friendly.


🧾 Apple Watch Models With ECG (Full Comparison Table)

what apple watch has ecg

Want to compare all Apple Watch models in more detail?
Here's our guide to the best Apple Watch in 2025.


How to Use ECG on Apple 

It’s super simple.

Here’s how to take an ECG reading:

  1. Open the ECG app on your watch.

  2. Sit down and rest your arm on a table.

  3. Place one finger on the Digital Crown.

  4. Hold still for 30 seconds.

  5. Boom — your ECG appears instantly.

Your results are saved in your iPhone’s Health app, where you can share them with your doctor in a couple of taps.

You’ll see:

  • Sinus Rhythm

  • AFib

  • Inconclusive

  • High or low heart rate

Pro tip: Use a comfortable band so your watch doesn’t shift during the test.
We recommend these Series 9 bands — they’re stable and stylish.


 Requirements to Use ECG on Apple 

But hold up—don’t just update your watch and expect the ECG feature to magically appear.

It doesn’t work like that.

There are a few rules and requirements you’ll need to follow first before it shows up on your device.

To use the ECG app, you need:

  •  Apple Watch Series 4 or newer

  •  An iPhone 6s or later

  •  The latest WatchOS + iOS

  •  Be in a region where ECG is approved

If any of those are missing — sorry, no ECG for you.


 What Countries Support Apple ECG?

Here’s the catch: Even if you have the right watch, ECG won’t work if your country isn’t approved.

Why?

Apple has to get regulatory clearance in each location before launching the ECG feature.

 Countries That Support ECG (2025)

  • USA 🇺🇸

  • Canada 🇨🇦

  • UK 🇬🇧

  • Australia 🇦🇺

  • Japan 🇯🇵

  • Hong Kong 🇭🇰

  • Singapore 🇸🇬

  • Germany 🇩🇪

  • France 🇫🇷

  • Brazil 🇧🇷

  • South Korea 🇰🇷

  • United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
    …and dozens more.

Check the official list here: Apple ECG support page


Why ECG on Watch Matters

Let’s be real for a second.

The ECG app isn’t just a cool feature—it’s a potentially life-saving tool.

It can help detect heart issues early, sometimes before they become dangerous.

Apple’s main focus?

AFib, or atrial fibrillation—a condition that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and in some cases, even worse.

ECG lets you:

  • Catch heart rhythm problems early

  • Keep track of your episodes

  • Share real data with your cardiologist

  • Feel more in control of your health

Especially important for:

  • Seniors

  • People with high blood pressure

  • Anyone with a family history of heart disease

what apple watch has ecg

 Is Apple ECG Accurate?

Short version: It’s pretty solid.

  • FDA-cleared since 2018

  • Validated in clinical trials

  • Matches hospital ECG results for AFib detection

  • Single-lead ECG (vs. 12-lead hospital-grade ECG)

BUT it’s still a smartwatch — not a substitute for a full medical diagnosis.

More info here via Heart.org.


What to Do If ECG App is Missing

No ECG app on your Series 5+ watch? Try this:

Troubleshooting Checklist:

  • Update to latest WatchOS + iOS

  • Check your region settings (set to USA or supported country)

  • Restart both iPhone + Watch

  • Make sure your Watch is Series 4 or newer

If you’re in an unsupported country, the app won’t show up at all.

Some users get around it by temporarily changing regions — but that’s on you 😉


 Apple SE and ECG: Why It Doesn’t Work

This one’s easy.

The Apple Watch SE simply doesn’t include the electrical heart sensor—and without that, there’s no ECG feature, period.

So if ECG is a must-have for you, you’ll want to look at other models.

Even if you update the software — you’ll never get ECG.

Why doesn’t the SE support ECG?

Simple—it lacks the necessary hardware.

There are no electrodes built into the Digital Crown or the back crystal, which are essential for ECG readings.

So without those components, it just can’t run the test.

So if ECG matters to you, skip the SE.

Go with Series 4 or newer.
Use this guide to find the best model for you.


 Comparing ECG vs. Other Health Features

what apple watch has ecg

So yeah — ECG is the big one.

The rest are great, but ECG gives real, actionable heart health data.


 The Future of Apple Watch ECG

Apple's not done yet.

Here’s what’s rumored or in development for future watches:

  • Non-invasive blood sugar tracking

  • Real-time blood pressure monitoring

  • More advanced ECG sensors

  • AI health reports + alerts

The Apple Watch Series 10 could be a full-on health device.

Make sure you’ve got a comfortable band ready. Here are our 2024 band picks.


 FAQs: What Watch Has ECG?

Blog Author section.


Author Image

Emily Johnson

 


Emily is a seasoned writer and technology enthusiast with a passion for digital watches and wearable tech. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to her readers.

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