AT&T Becomes 1st U.S. Carrier to Support iPhone XS and XR eSIM technology

AT&T Changes Mind, Providing Owners of iPhone XS and XR models eSIM Support with Access to 2 Phone Numbers on 1 Device

Image via Apple showing Apple's Dual SIM with eSIM solution

As America’s second largest wireless carrier, AT&T’s decision to support Apple’s eSIM technology features, is important to note. To access this feature, devices need to be compatible with the latest iOS 12.1.1 firmware. Both Verizon and T-Mobile are expected to also integrate dual-SIM support for iPhone XS and XR by the end of the year. Verizon has released information on its website.

Both the iPhone XS and XR depend upon eSIM technology to have two provisioned numbers active simultaneously. Since Apple is not able to market its eSIM in China, Apple engineered a new solution with a dual-SIM system that allows users to install two cards on one tray. iOS 12.1.1 delivers eSIM support includes Rogers and Fido in Canada, carriers 3, Orange, Swisscom, Sunrise, Telenor and Telia in select European countries and many networks in Asia.

Introduced this past September, dual-SIM technology allows the iPhone user to have two phone numbers and two subscription plans on a single device. This helps iPhone users save significantly on roaming charges during international travel as well as maintain separate business and personal lines.

Apple Releases 4 Software Updates This Week - iOS 12.1.1, watchOS 5.1.2, tvOS 12.1.1 and macOS Mojave 10.14.2

It’s been a busy week for software updates as Apple rolled out four new updates to its operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, iMac, Mac, MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Here’s Part 1 of our coverage.

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In Part 1, we explore iOS 12.1.1 updates and watchOS 5.1.2 updates.

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iOS 12.1.1 Updates: Expanded eSIM Support, Redesigned FaceTime With Live Photos, Haptic Touch for Notifications on iPhone XR and More

The latest iteration to iOS 12 released on Wednesday Dec 5, is a minor update, building upon the changes introduced in iOS 12.1.

With iOS 12.1.1, you can take a Live Photo while on a FaceTime call so you can capture your favorite moments. To do so, you will need to have the "FaceTime Live Photos" setting toggled on, which can be accessed by going to Settings > FaceTime > FaceTime Live Photos. FaceTime also has a redesigned bottom bar for quick access buttons for muting a call and flipping the camera. Sliding up on the bottom bar brings up additional options with conversation participants, eliminating the prior tapping required for a secondary menu with these features.

Image via Apple

Apple has now expanded eSIM support on the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR to additional carriers across Europe in iOS 12.1.1, such as Swisscom in Switzerland, Orange in Spain and Three in Sweden and Denmark. AT&T has also offered support for this feature.

The iPhone XR now has support for Haptic Touch with notifications via the new update, expanding notifications on the Lock screen through a long press to see additional content.

Image via Apple

For iPhone users who also have an Apple Watch Series 4 model, the new iOS 12.1.1 update offers support for the the ECG feature via the watchOS 5.1.2 update to detect your heart rhythm. The new software update also addresses several bug issues such as visual voicemail not downloading for some users, or Face ID not working temporarily and several security updates.

How to Install: The iOS 12.1.1 update is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update. As with all iOS updates, iOS 12.1.1 is free to download. 

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watchOS 5.1.2 Updates: ECG Functionality, Irregular Rhythm Notification, New Complications and Control Center Toggle for Walkie Talkie Feature

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Apple’s highly anticipated ECG functionality is now available through watchOS 5.1.2 and the Apple Watch Series 4, helping the watch user to know if he or she has an abnormal heart rhythm that indicates atrial fibrillation, a sign of a serious heart condition.

There is also an irregular heart rhythm notification through watchOS 5.1.2 that is available on all Apple Watch models (Series 1 and up) that can run watchOS 5.

Image via Apple

In addition, the new watchOS 5.1.2 update brings new complications for Apple Watch Series 4. These complications include Mail, Messages, Home, Maps, Apple News, Find My Friends, Phone, and Remote, that can now be assigned to the available complication slots on the Infograph watch face. 

There’s also a new toggle in Control Center for turning the Walkie-Talkie feature on and off. Additional features in watchOS 5.1.2 include direct access to supported movie tickets, coupons and rewards cards in Wallet when tapped to a contactless reader and receiving notifications and animated celebrations when you achieve daily maximum points in a day during an Activity competition. Read our prior coverage on watchOS 5.

How to Install:
You can install the update on to an Apple Watch by using the iPhone's Watch app. Select My Watch > General > Software Update, and then enter the iPhone or Apple Watch passcode (if required) to start the installation. As with all watchOS updates, watchOS 5.1.2 is free to download. 

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Take an Electrocardiogram Right From Your Wrist, Capturing Your Heart Rhythm with the Apple Watch

Apple’s Innovation with Apple Watch capabilities continues as new electrodes in the Apple Watch Series 4 enable customers to take an ECG right from their wrists.

Image via Apple

The ECG app available now on the Apple Watch Series 4 is the first direct-to-consumer product that enables customers to take an electrocardiogram right from their wrist. The app captures heart rhythms and issues notifications if heart rhythms are irregular such as too rapid or skipped. This provides critical data to physicians with the potential to save lives. The Apple Watch already offers considerable insight into health and fitness data, through workout integrations.

Image via Apple

Image via Apple

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Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification

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Apple Heart Study Data and FDA Approval

The new irregular rhythm notification feature on Apple Watch Series 4 can check heart rhythms in the background and send a notification if an irregular heart rhythm is detected. The technology checks for irregular heart rhythms that could be linked to atrial fibrillation (AFib). Apple received De Novo classification for the ECG app and the irregular heart rhythm notification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after working on the technology and features for several years to provide consumers with an over the counter option.

The Apple Heart Study recently studied the irregular rhythm notification feature with over 400,000 participants. The Apple Heart Study was the largest screening study on atrial fibrillation ever conducted, compared to prior cardiovascular trials to date. A data set of the Apple Heart Study was submitted to the FDA to support clearance of the irregular rhythm notification feature. The data set compared participant notifications of an irregular rhythm notification while simultaneously wearing an ECG patch and Apple Watch Series 4. 80 percent showed AFib on the ECG patch as compared to 98 percent showing AFib or other clinically relevant arrhythmias on the Apple Watch Series 4.

“Apple Watch has helped so many people around the world and we are humbled that it has become such an important part of our customers’ lives. With the release of these heart features, Apple Watch takes the next step in empowering people with more information about their health.”

— Jeff Williams, Apple’s COO

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AFib Detection

Image via Apple

The ECG app is available today as a free update to watchOS 5.1.2 and offers the irregular heart rhythm notification feature2 to identify signs of AFib. If left untreated, AFib can result in stroke, which is the second most common cause of death around the world. The CDC estimates that AFib can affect up to two percent of the younger population and nine percent of those aged 65 years and older in the US.

Consumers with Apple Watch Series 1 or later with watchOS 5.1.2 installed, will receive a notification if an irregular heart rhythm such as AFib is identified. Using the optical heart sensor in Apple Watch Series 1 or later, the irregular rhythm notification feature checks the user’s heart rhythm in the background for signs of an irregular heart rhythm that appears to be AFib. Then the watch sends out a notification to the user if an irregular rhythm is detected on five rhythm checks over a minimum of 65 minutes.

“We are confident in the ability of these features to help users have more informed conversations with their physicians. With the ECG app and irregular rhythm notification feature, customers can now better understand aspects of their heart health in a more meaningful way.”

— Sumbul Desai, MD, Apple’s VP Health

How It Works

An Apple Watch wearer can take an ECG reading with Apple Watch Series 4 at any time. New electrodes built into the back crystal and Digital Crown on Apple Watch Series 4 work along with the ECG app to enable customers to take an ECG similar to a single-lead reading. 

You can take a reading by launching the new ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 and holding your finger on the Digital Crown. As you touch the Apple Watch Series 4 Digital Crown, the circuit is completed and electrical signals across their heart are measured. After 30 seconds, the heart rhythm is classified as AFib, sinus rhythm or inconclusive. All recordings, their associated classifications and any noted symptoms are stored securely in the Health app on iPhone. You can share a PDF of the results with physicians.

To enable these new heart features, you will go through an onscreen setup flow after installing watchOS 5.1.2 that includes details about who can use these features, feature functionality, result options and what to do if you feel symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

“The idea that wearables can be used by both patients and their health care providers to manage and improve heart health holds promise and should also be approached with caution to ensure information and data are used responsibly and in concert with other evidence-based tools and guidelines. The ACC, through its focus on innovation, is committed to exploring ways that new technologies can optimize patient care and outcomes.”

— C. Michael Valentine, MD, FACC, president of the American College of Cardiology.

“The role that technology plays in allowing patients to capture meaningful data about what’s happening with their heart, right when it’s happening, like the functionality of an on-demand ECG, could be significant in new clinical care models and shared decision making between people and their healthcare providers. At the American Heart Association, we are committed to educating and empowering people to be proactive in all areas of their heart health and general well-being.”

— Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association

Image via Apple

See our prior coverage here. With these new features, the Apple Watch goes even further in providing relevant information on a daily basis to consumers and more useful and engaging apps. Learn more about watchOS 5.1.2.