Apple on Monday released watchOS 5.3 to the public. The Apple Watch update fixes a major bug in the Walkie-Talkie app, and expands ECG availability to Apple Watch Series 4 owners in Canada and Singapore.
WatchOS 5.3 can be installed via the Apple Watch app on the device’s attached iPhone. Go to “General” -> “Software Update” to install the new software. The Apple Watch should have at least 50% battery life, be connected to a charger, and be in range of the iPhone.
Today’s update fixes a serious security flaw that could allow strangers to eavesdrop using the Apple Watch microphone without your consent. Once the watchOS 5.3 update is applied to your Apple Watch and the iOS 12.4 update is installed on your iPhone, you’ll once again be able to communicate with your friends via Walkie-Talkie.
The watchOS 5.3 update also brings ECG support, as well as irregular heart rate notifications to Apple Watch Series 4 users in both Canada and Singapore. Apple had confirmed it was working to bring the ECG feature to Canadian users “as quickly as possible.” Health Canada had approved the features in May, so it had been expected that the features would hit Series 4 models in Canada very soon.
Apple’s full watchOS 5.3 release notes are as follows:
This update includes new features, improvements and bug fixes and is recommended for all users:
- Provides important security updates including a fix for the Walkie-Talkie app
- ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 now available in Canada and Singapore
- Irregular heart rhythm notifications now available in Canada and Singapore
This may be one of the last updates we see to the watchOS 5 operating system, as Apple’s upcoming watchOS 6 operating system is currently in beta testing, and is expected to hit Apple Watches sometime this fall.
