Apple just released watchOS 5.1, an update that brings new features to this wearable. But one of these is not the software needed for Apple Watch Series 4 users to take an electrocardiogram. Other sites are incorrectly reporting that the ECG app is part of this update. No ECG software for Apple Watch Series 4 At its announcement last month, Apple made a big deal out of the ability of the newest Watch to record the electrical activity of the wearer’s heart. But then Apple had to confess that the feature isn’t ready. Many had assumed that this feature would be in the watchOS 5.1 update, but they were wrong. And some are still assuming it. And these guys. Our Cult of Mac test Watch doesn’t have this feature after the update. Which isn’t surprising, considering it wasn’t part of the beta process. The best Apple has been able to say is the “ECG app coming later this year.” That message hasn’t changed since September. What is in watchOS 5.1 The major change in the update is support for Group FaceTime: the ability to speak to multiple other people simultaneously on a FaceTime call. This feature is also in iOS 12.1. watchOS 5.1 also brings dozens of new emoji to this wearable.<doc-sep>Apple on Tuesday pushed out watchOS 5.1, bringing bug fixes, iOS 12.1 compatibility — but lacking an awaited ECG (electrocardiogram) app for Series 4 Apple Watches, as well as smaller changes for all compatible models. The update must be installed through the Apple Watch app. An iPhone and Watch must also be within close range of each other, and the Watch must be on a charger and have at least 50 percent power. The update lacks ECG support which was a major selling point of the Apple Watch Series 4, but has not been included since the wearable first shipped on Sept. 21. The technology relies on electrodes built into the base and the digital crown, allowing it to operate like a single-lead ECG sensor. This can be used to detect signs of atrial fibrillation, though the Apple Watch Series 3 can still perform this to a lesser degree. Other changes are comparatively minor. The software supports Group FaceTime calls via audio, and some new watchface customization options. watchOS 5.1 is available on all Apple Watches except for the first-generation model.<doc-sep>As expected, Apple is now rolling out iOS 12.1, watchOS 5.1, tvOS 12.1 and macOS 10.14.1 to the public. Today’s updates bring a slew of new features such as Group FaceTime, dual SIM support for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, and new emojis. Unfortunately, according to the release notes for watchOS 5.1, the much-anticipated ECG app may not yet be available to users in the United States. macOS will also be seeing an update today to support the new emojis and Group FaceTime. For tvOS, it’s unclear what is new in this update, however it’s available as an update. It’s likely a simple bug fix release. HomePod is also seeing updates today with fairly vague release notes noting “general improvements for stability and quality.” Here are the release notes for iOS 12.1: iOS 12.1 introduces Group FaceTime, adds over 70 new emoji, and includes support for Dual SIM with eSIM for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements. Group FaceTime Adds support for video and audio calls with up to 32 participants simultaneously Encrypted end-to-end so your conversations remain private Start Group FaceTime right from a group Messages conversation, or join an active call at any time Emoji Over 70 new emoji, including new characters with red hair, gray hair and curly hair, new emoji for bald people, more emotive smiley faces and additional emoji representing animals, sports and food Dual SIM support Introduces Dual SIM with eSIM which allows two numbers in one device for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR Other improvements and fixes Introduces Depth Control in Camera preview for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR Improves cellular connectivity for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR Adds the ability to change or reset your child’s Screen Time passcode using Face ID or Touch ID Fixes an issue where the sharpest reference frame was not always selected in front-facing photos for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR Resolves an issue that caused messages to be merged into one thread when two users were signed in with the same Apple ID on multiple iPhones Addresses an issue that prevented some voicemails from appearing in the Phone app Resolves an issue in the Phone app that could cause phone numbers to appear without their corresponding contact name Fixes an issue that could prevent Screen Time from reporting specific websites in the activity report Addresses an issue that could prevent adding or removing family members from Family Sharing Adds a performance management feature to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down, including the option to disable this feature if an unexpected shutdown occurs, for iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Adds the ability for Battery Health to inform users that it is unable to verify if a genuine Apple battery is in iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR Improves reliability of VoiceOver in Camera, Siri, and Safari Fixes an issue that could cause MDM Device Enrollment to report an Invalid Profile error for some enterprise users And watchOS 5.1: This update includes improvements and bug fixes: Apple Watch Series 4 automatically contacts emergency services if you are immobile for about a minute after detecting a hard fall. The watch will now also play a message that informs the responder that Apple Watch has detected a fall and shares your location coordinates when possible. Fixes an issue that could cause an incomplete installation of the Walkie-Talkie app for some users Resolves an issue that prevented some users from being able to send or receive invitations on Walkie-Talkie Addresses an issue where some previously earned Activity awards were not showing in the Awards tab of the Activity app for some users Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:<doc-sep>
Apple has released the fifth beta versions of iOS 12.1, watchOS 5.1, and tvOS 12.1 for developers. We’ll dig in to the new iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV builds and update with any changes. Changes coming to Apple’s latest iPhones with iOS 12.1 include live preview for Depth Control in the Portrait mode camera and support for Dual SIM with compatible carriers. Group FaceTime is also present in iOS 12.1 beta, a feature that doesn’t require the newest iPhone. Apple is also testing watchOS 5.1, tvOS 12.1, and macOS 10.14.1 with developers; we expect to see new developer beta versions of watchOS and tvOS today alongside iOS 12.1 beta. Check out our hands-on video of changes included in iOS 12.1 beta here: Other changes discovered include evidence that Memoji will sync between devices in time for new iPads, evidence that new iPads are indeed on the way this month, and potential hints that AirPower is still on the way. iOS 12.1 will likely be released to all users later this month. Read our October preview for more of what we expect to see from Apple this month. Beta 2-4 included these changes: Apple says more than 70 new emoji are included in iOS 12.1 More emoji details here No sign of the new ECG app yet Fix for charging issue Clicky sounds when not muted on Flashlight and Camera buttons on iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max Lots of text clipping issues resolved on Apple Watch Series 4 Check out our hands-on video with those changes below: What’s new in beta 5: We’re updating our devices now. We’ll update our story if any changes are discovered. Related Stories: FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: