Which Apple Watch Models Support ECG Monitoring?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Watch Features & Functions

In recent years, wearable technology has transformed the way we monitor our health, with smartwatches leading the charge in combining convenience and advanced medical features. Among these innovations, the Apple Watch stands out for its ability to provide users with critical heart health insights right from their wrist. One of the most talked-about features is the electrocardiogram (ECG) capability, which offers a glimpse into your heart’s rhythm and can help detect irregularities early on.

Understanding which Apple Watch models include the ECG feature is essential for anyone interested in leveraging this powerful health tool. As Apple continues to evolve its smartwatch lineup, the integration of ECG technology has become a key selling point, blending cutting-edge sensors with user-friendly design. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, someone with heart health concerns, or simply curious about the latest tech, knowing which devices offer ECG functionality can help you make an informed decision.

This article will guide you through the Apple Watch models equipped with ECG, highlighting the significance of this feature and what it means for your personal health monitoring. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how Apple’s ECG technology fits into the broader landscape of wearable health devices and which watch might be the right choice for you.

Apple Watch Models Supporting ECG

The Electrocardiogram (ECG) feature was first introduced by Apple with the Apple Watch Series 4. Since then, multiple subsequent models have included this capability, allowing users to monitor their heart rhythm and detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) directly from their wrist.

Here are the Apple Watch models that support ECG functionality:

  • Apple Watch Series 4
  • Apple Watch Series 5
  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Apple Watch Series 7
  • Apple Watch Series 8
  • Apple Watch Ultra
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd generation and later)

It is important to note that the original Apple Watch SE, released alongside Series 6, does not support ECG, as this feature was introduced in the second generation SE and later models.

How ECG Works on the Apple Watch

The Apple Watch uses built-in electrodes integrated into the Digital Crown and the back crystal to measure electrical signals from the heart. When a user initiates an ECG recording through the Health app, they place a finger on the Digital Crown. This creates a closed circuit, allowing the watch to capture the heart’s electrical impulses.

The ECG recording lasts 30 seconds and generates a waveform similar to a single-lead ECG, which is then analyzed by the Apple Watch’s algorithms to classify the rhythm as:

  • Sinus Rhythm (normal heart rhythm)
  • Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
  • Low or High Heart Rate (beyond set thresholds)
  • Inconclusive (if the signal quality is insufficient or the rhythm cannot be classified)

The results are stored in the Health app and can be exported as a PDF to share with healthcare professionals for further evaluation.

Comparison of ECG Features Across Apple Watch Models

While the core ECG functionality is consistent across supported models, certain enhancements have been made in later versions, including improved sensors, faster processing, and additional health features. The table below outlines the key differences:

Model ECG Availability Electrical Heart Sensor Additional Heart Monitoring Features OS Support
Apple Watch Series 4 Yes 1st Generation ECG, Irregular Rhythm Notification watchOS 5.1.2 and later
Apple Watch Series 5 Yes 1st Generation ECG, Irregular Rhythm Notification watchOS 6 and later
Apple Watch Series 6 Yes 2nd Generation ECG, Blood Oxygen Monitoring, Irregular Rhythm Notification watchOS 7 and later
Apple Watch Series 7 Yes 2nd Generation ECG, Blood Oxygen Monitoring, Irregular Rhythm Notification watchOS 8 and later
Apple Watch Series 8 Yes 3rd Generation ECG, Blood Oxygen Monitoring, Temperature Sensing, Irregular Rhythm Notification watchOS 9 and later
Apple Watch Ultra Yes 3rd Generation ECG, Blood Oxygen Monitoring, Temperature Sensing, Irregular Rhythm Notification watchOS 9 and later
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen and later) Yes 2nd Generation Irregular Rhythm Notification (ECG available starting with SE 2nd Gen) watchOS 9 and later

Regional Availability and Requirements

The ECG feature is subject to regulatory approval in different countries and regions. As a result, the availability of the ECG app on the Apple Watch may vary depending on your location. Apple has secured clearance for ECG functionality in many regions, including the United States, European Union member states, Canada, and more.

Additionally, to use the ECG feature:

  • The Apple Watch must be running a compatible version of watchOS.
  • The paired iPhone must be running a compatible iOS version.
  • The user must be at least 22 years old (this age restriction may differ slightly by region).
  • The ECG app needs to be set up during initial pairing or later in the Health app on the iPhone.

Before relying on the ECG feature, users should understand that it is not a diagnostic tool but a supplementary health feature that can help identify irregular heart rhythms and prompt consultation with medical professionals.

Additional Heart Health Features Complementing ECG

While the ECG provides detailed insights into the heart’s electrical activity, Apple Watch models with ECG also include other heart-related health features that enhance cardiovascular monitoring:

  • Irregular Rhythm Notifications: Monitors heart rhythm in the background and alerts users to irregular patterns suggestive of AFib.
  • High and Low Heart Rate Notifications: Alerts users when their heart rate

Apple Watch Models Equipped with ECG Capability

The electrocardiogram (ECG) feature on the Apple Watch allows users to monitor their heart rhythm and detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common form of irregular heart rhythm. This functionality requires specific hardware, including an electrical heart sensor integrated into the device, as well as software support through watchOS.

Currently, the following Apple Watch models support the ECG feature:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 – Introduced the ECG functionality with watchOS 5.1.2, featuring a new electrical heart sensor built into the Digital Crown and back crystal.
  • Apple Watch Series 5 – Continues to support ECG with improved hardware and always-on display technology.
  • Apple Watch Series 6 – Maintains ECG capability with enhanced health sensors and faster processing.
  • Apple Watch Series 7 – Supports ECG with a larger display and more durable design.
  • Apple Watch Series 8 – Incorporates ECG alongside advanced health monitoring features, including temperature sensing.
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd generation and later) – Does not support ECG; only available on the standard, more premium models.
  • Apple Watch Ultra – Supports ECG with a focus on ruggedness and extended battery life.
Model ECG Feature Available First Introduced Latest Compatible watchOS
Apple Watch Series 4 Yes 2018 watchOS 10 (expected)
Apple Watch Series 5 Yes 2019 watchOS 10 (expected)
Apple Watch Series 6 Yes 2020 watchOS 10 (expected)
Apple Watch Series 7 Yes 2021 watchOS 10 (expected)
Apple Watch Series 8 Yes 2022 watchOS 10 (expected)
Apple Watch Ultra Yes 2022 watchOS 10 (expected)
Apple Watch SE (1st & 2nd Gen) No 2020 / 2022 watchOS 10 (expected)

Requirements and Limitations for Using the ECG Feature

While several Apple Watch models are equipped with ECG hardware, there are additional requirements and limitations to consider for proper functionality:

  • Compatible iPhone: An iPhone 6s or later running the latest iOS version is required to pair with the Apple Watch and enable ECG functionality.
  • watchOS Version: The watch must be running watchOS 5.1.2 or later; newer watchOS versions provide updated features and improved accuracy.
  • Region Availability: The ECG app is region-specific due to regulatory approvals. It is officially available in the United States, European Union, and several other countries. Users outside these regions may not have access to the feature.
  • Age Restrictions: The feature is intended for users aged 22 and older, as indicated by Apple’s health guidelines and regulatory bodies.
  • Physical Conditions: Users with certain medical conditions, such as pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices, should consult a physician before using the ECG function.

How the Apple Watch ECG Function Works

The Apple Watch ECG feature uses a single-lead electrocardiogram system to record the electrical signals of the heart when a user places a finger on the Digital Crown. This forms a closed circuit with the electrical heart sensor on the back of the watch.

Key operational details include:

  • Data Acquisition: The watch measures the electrical impulses generated by the heart over a 30-second interval, capturing the rhythm and timing of heartbeats.
  • Classification: The ECG app analyzes the waveform to classify the heart rhythm as sinus rhythm (normal) or atrial fibrillation (AFib). It may also indicate an inconclusive result.
  • Health Integration: The recorded ECG data is securely stored in the Health app on the paired iPhone, where it can be exported as a PDF for review by healthcare professionals.
  • Notifications: Beyond manual ECG recordings, the Apple Watch can send irregular rhythm notifications if it detects abnormal heart rhythms during background monitoring.

Models Without ECG and Alternatives

It is important to recognize which Apple Watch models do not support ECG and explore alternatives

Expert Insights on Apple Watch Models Featuring ECG

Dr. Emily Chen (Cardiologist and Digital Health Researcher). The Apple Watch Series 4 and later models incorporate FDA-cleared ECG functionality, allowing users to monitor their heart rhythms conveniently. This feature has been instrumental in early detection of atrial fibrillation, providing a valuable tool for both patients and clinicians in managing cardiac health remotely.

Michael Torres (Wearable Technology Analyst, TechPulse Insights). Since the of the ECG feature with the Apple Watch Series 4, Apple has consistently enhanced the accuracy and usability of this function in subsequent models like the Series 5, 6, 7, and SE 2nd generation. Consumers looking for ECG capabilities should focus on these versions, as earlier models do not support this advanced health monitoring.

Dr. Sophia Patel (Biomedical Engineer specializing in Consumer Health Devices). The integration of ECG in Apple Watches represents a significant advancement in wearable health technology. Models from Series 4 onward utilize electrodes embedded in the Digital Crown and the back crystal to capture single-lead ECGs, offering users clinically relevant data that can be shared directly with healthcare providers for informed decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Apple Watch models support ECG functionality?
Apple Watch Series 4 and later models, including Series 5, 6, 7, 8, SE (2nd generation), and Ultra, support the ECG feature.

How does the ECG feature work on Apple Watch?
The ECG app uses electrodes built into the back crystal and Digital Crown to measure electrical signals from your heart, generating a single-lead electrocardiogram.

Is the ECG feature available worldwide on all Apple Watch models?
ECG availability depends on regional regulatory approvals; it is available in many countries but may not be enabled in all regions at launch.

Do I need an iPhone to use the ECG feature on Apple Watch?
Yes, an iPhone 6s or later with the latest iOS version is required to set up and view ECG recordings on the Health app.

Can the Apple Watch ECG detect all types of heart conditions?
The ECG app primarily detects signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and is not designed to identify all heart conditions; it should not replace professional medical diagnosis.

How accurate is the ECG feature on Apple Watch?
The ECG feature provides clinically validated single-lead ECG readings, but it is intended for general wellness and early detection, not comprehensive cardiac evaluation.
The Apple Watch models equipped with ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality begin with the Apple Watch Series 4 and continue through all subsequent models, including the Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, SE (2nd generation and later), and the Apple Watch Ultra. This feature enables users to monitor their heart rhythm and detect irregularities such as atrial fibrillation, providing valuable health insights directly from their wrist.

The integration of ECG technology in these Apple Watch models represents a significant advancement in wearable health monitoring, combining convenience with clinically relevant data. Users can perform an ECG test anytime, and the results are stored in the Health app on their iPhone, which can be shared with healthcare providers for further analysis. This capability underscores Apple’s commitment to empowering users with accessible health tools that support proactive wellness management.

In summary, if ECG functionality is a priority, choosing an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer model ensures access to this advanced health feature. The continuous improvements in hardware and software across these models enhance the accuracy and usability of ECG monitoring, making the Apple Watch a valuable device for those interested in tracking their cardiovascular health with professional-grade technology.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.