Atrial Fibrillation History Feature

by Apple  · Based in United States → — Track your AFib History with Apple Watch for deeper insights into your heart health.
Cardiology Family Medicine Internal Medicine
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Included with apple watch
Regulatory Status Disclosed

Overview

The Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) History Feature, available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later, is an over-the-counter (OTC) software-only mobile medical application. It is intended for users aged 22 years and over who have a diagnosis of AFib. The feature opportunistically analyzes pulse rate data collected by the Apple Watch’s photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to identify episodes of irregular heart rhythms suggestive of AFib. It then provides the user with a retrospective estimate of AFib burden, which is a measure of the amount of time spent in AFib during past Apple Watch wear.

The AFib History Feature tracks and trends estimated AFib burden over time and includes lifestyle data visualizations. This allows users to understand the potential impact of certain aspects of their lifestyle, such as alcohol consumption, sleep, exercise, weight, and mindful minutes, on their AFib. Users receive weekly notifications with their estimated AFib burden and can view a detailed history in the Apple Health app. The feature is not intended to provide individual irregular rhythm notifications or to replace traditional methods of diagnosis, treatment, or continuous monitoring of AFib.

Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist

Key Features

  • Retrospective AFib burden estimation (weekly percentage)
  • Tracking and trending AFib burden over time
  • Visualization of lifestyle factors (sleep, activity, alcohol, weight, mindful minutes) impacting AFib
  • Weekly notifications and summaries of AFib frequency
  • PDF export of AFib History data for sharing with healthcare providers
  • Requires a prior physician diagnosis of AFib for activation
  • Compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 or later and iPhone 8 or later
  • Not intended for real-time AFib detection or continuous monitoring
  • Designed for users 22 years of age and older
  • Data stored securely in the Apple Health app

Use Cases

  • Patient self-monitoring and understanding of their AFib condition
  • Facilitating informed discussions between patients and physicians regarding AFib management and treatment plans
  • Assessing the impact of lifestyle modifications on AFib burden
  • Providing objective data for physicians to review patient's AFib history during consultations
  • Serving as a secondary effectiveness endpoint in clinical studies for cardiac ablation devices
  • Potentially reducing unplanned hospitalizations for post-ablation patients by aiding in recurrence detection

What Physicians Need to Know

ECG/EKG Analysis Capability
The Atrial Fibrillation History feature primarily uses photoplethysmography (PPG) pulse rate data from compatible Apple Watches to opportunistically analyze heart rhythms. While the Apple Watch also has an ECG app for on-demand single-lead ECG recordings, the AFib History feature itself focuses on continuous background monitoring via PPG to estimate AFib burden.
Arrhythmia Detection Accuracy
The feature provides a retrospective estimate of AFib burden, which is the proportion of time spent in AFib during past Apple Watch wear. It has been qualified by the FDA as the first digital health technology for its Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program, allowing its use as a secondary endpoint in clinical studies evaluating cardiac ablation devices. Clinical studies showed an average difference of 0.67% in weekly AFib burden estimates compared to a reference ECG patch, with 92.2% of subjects having differences within u00b15%. The tool specifically identifies AFib and does not detect other atrial tachyarrhythmias. Performance may be reduced in patients who have undergone ablation.
Cardiac Monitoring Integration
The AFib History feature integrates with the Apple Health app on iPhone, where users can view their estimated AFib burden and track trends over time. It allows users to log and visualize lifestyle factors such as exercise minutes, sleep, weight, alcohol consumption, and mindful minutes alongside their AFib data to understand potential impacts. Consistent estimates require wearing the Apple Watch at least 12 hours a day, five days a week. Users can generate a PDF report of their AFib history and lifestyle factors to share with their physicians.
AHA/ACC Guideline Alignment
The feature has received 510(k) premarket clearance from the FDA and is the first digital health technology to be qualified under the FDA's Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has issued guidance for clinicians and patients, noting that the Apple Watch's AFib History feature is suitable for assessing AFib burden in patients with an existing diagnosis.
Physician Tip

Advise patients with a confirmed AFib diagnosis that the Apple Watch AFib History feature can provide valuable long-term insights into their AFib burden and its correlation with lifestyle factors. Emphasize that this feature is for retrospective monitoring and not for real-time AFib detection or diagnosis. Encourage patients to consistently wear their device and utilize the PDF export function to facilitate more informed discussions during appointments. Be aware that performance may vary in post-ablation patients. The ACC provides guidance on integrating Apple Watch data into patient care plans.

The Atrial Fibrillation History feature is deeply integrated with the Apple Health app ecosystem, leveraging data collected by compatible Apple Watch models (Series 4 or later) running the latest watchOS and iOS versions. It utilizes the Apple Watch's photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for continuous pulse rate data collection. Data, including AFib burden estimates and logged lifestyle factors, is securely stored and visualized within the Health app, allowing for a comprehensive view of the user's cardiovascular health over time.

Details

Category Cardiology AI, Wearables & Remote Monitoring (RPM)
Pricing Included with apple watch — Included with compatible Apple Watch purchase; requires compatible iPhone and Apple Watch model.
DeploymentApple Watch (Series 4 or later) and iPhone (Health app)
Compliance
BAA Available No AI-estimated
HIPAA Compliant No AI-estimated
FDA Status Yes AI-estimated

The feature received 510(k) premarket clearance (K213971) from the FDA on June 3, 2022, as a Class II photoplethysmography (PPG) analysis software for over-the-counter use. It has also been qualified under the FDA's Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program as a biomarker test for use as a secondary effectiveness endpoint in clinical studies evaluating the safety and effectiveness of cardiac ablation devices.
Integrations
EHR Not specified
Specialties Cardiology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine

What the Web Says

The Apple Watch's Atrial Fibrillation History Feature provides long-term visibility into the frequency of AFib episodes, known as AFib burden, and is intended for individuals aged 22 and over who have a physician's diagnosis of AFib. It has received FDA qualification as a biomarker test for estimating AFib burden in clinical trials, making it the first digital health technology to achieve this. The feature offers a non-invasive, user-friendly solution for patients and can help physicians in medication adjustments and risk assessments.

Overall: Positive

Strengths

  • High accuracy in detecting AFib, with studies showing an 84% positive predictive value and 86% accuracy.
  • Provides precise AFib burden data, with an average difference of 0.67% compared to medical-grade ECG patches.
  • Can reduce unplanned hospitalizations for AFib patients.
  • Allows users to track lifestyle factors (exercise, sleep, weight, alcohol, mindful minutes) that may influence AFib.
  • Convenient and affordable for continuous monitoring compared to traditional methods.
  • FDA-cleared for use in clinical research, streamlining medical device development.

Limitations

  • Does not identify atrial tachyarrhythmias other than AFib.
  • May not capture short AFib episodes.
  • Requires the watch to be worn at least 12 hours a day, five days a week for consistent estimates.
  • Does not provide real-time alerts for individual AFib episodes; instead, it delivers a weekly report.
  • Accuracy may be reduced in patients who have undergone ablation treatment.
  • Some users report difficulty maintaining a consistent ECG reading.

Based on reviews from: MAC-DVD, IQVIA, Reddit, ExtremeTech, AppleInsider, Medical Device and Diagnostic industry, Apple Communities, Circulation, Medthority, PMC - NIH, YouTube

Last updated: 2026-07-18

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Press & Coverage

Forbes
Apple Watch Heart Health Feature Wins First Of Its Kind Approval
The FDA has approved the Apple Watch's Atrial Fibrillation History feature as a Medical Device Development Tool, making it the first digital health technology to qualify for this program. This approval means the feature can be used in clinical trials to evaluate AFib burden.
2024-05
Fitzgerald Health Education Associates
Apple Watch Atrial Fibrillation Feature Is First Digital Health Tech Approved for Clinical Trials
The FDA's qualification of the Apple Watch Atrial Fibrillation History Feature under its Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program allows it to be used in clinical studies for assessing cardiac ablation devices. The feature provides retrospective weekly estimates of AFib burden.
2024-05
Iliomad Health Data
Apple pushes into clinical trials with new FDA nod for Apple Watch
The Apple Watch's Atrial Fibrillation History feature, introduced in 2022, has been qualified by the FDA under the MDDT program, allowing it to be used as a secondary endpoint in clinical trials for cardiac ablation devices. This eliminates the need for additional validation of the feature in such studies.
2025-07
Medthority
Apple's AFib history FDA qualified for clinical trials
On May 1, 2024, the FDA qualified Apple Watch's AFib History feature as a biomarker test for estimating AFib burden in clinical trials, making it the first digital health technology to receive this qualification. The feature analyzes pulse rate data to estimate weekly AFib burden and is intended for individuals aged 22 and over diagnosed with AFib.
2024-07
pharmaphorum
Apple gets FDA okay to use AFib tool in clinical trials
The FDA has qualified the Apple Atrial Fibrillation History Feature as a biomarker test for use as a secondary effectiveness endpoint in clinical studies, particularly for evaluating cardiac ablation devices. This marks the first digital health technology to be qualified under the FDA's MDDT program.
2024-05
MacRumors
Apple Watch AFib History Feature Launches in Mainland China
Apple launched its Atrial Fibrillation History feature for Apple Watch in mainland China on March 17, 2026, following approval from China's National Medical Products Administration. The feature, available since 2022 in the U.S., allows users diagnosed with AFib to track their heart's irregular rhythms.
2026-03
BigGo Finance
Apple Watch's Atrial Fibrillation History Feature Approved in China, Accelerating Medicalization of Wearables
China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved Apple's 'Mobile Pulse Rate Atrial Fibrillation Signs Recording Software' as a Class II imported medical device on December 26, 2025, enabling the launch of the Apple Watch's Atrial Fibrillation History feature in mainland China. The feature provides long-term monitoring and estimates AFib burden for diagnosed patients.
2026-01
AppleInsider
Apple Watch is FDA's first-ever approved digital AFib history device
The FDA has approved the Apple Watch's atrial fibrillation history feature under its Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program, making it the first digital health technology to qualify. This allows the device to be used in clinical studies to estimate AFib burden.
2024-05

Videos

Product demos, reviews, and walkthroughs for Atrial Fibrillation History Feature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This AI feature is designed to seamlessly integrate with most major EHR systems, allowing for automated extraction and summarization of relevant atrial fibrillation history directly within the patient's chart. It aims to reduce manual chart review time and provide a concise overview for quicker clinical decision-making.
The AI feature is built with robust security protocols, including data encryption and access controls, to ensure strict adherence to HIPAA and other relevant data privacy regulations. All data processing occurs within a secure, compliant environment, and no protected health information is stored outside of your institution's approved systems.
The main alternative is manual chart review by clinical staff, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error or oversight. While some EHRs offer basic search functions, this AI feature provides intelligent summarization and pattern recognition, offering a more comprehensive and efficient solution for historical data analysis.
Pricing is typically structured on a subscription basis, often tied to the number of active users or patient records processed per month, with tiered options available. We offer flexible plans designed to accommodate solo practices, large clinics, and hospital systems, with transparent cost breakdowns.
While highly accurate, the AI's performance can be influenced by the quality and completeness of the data within the EHR, and it may not always capture nuances requiring human clinical judgment. It's designed as a decision-support tool, and clinicians should always exercise their professional judgment in patient care.
Yes, beyond summarization, the AI is trained to identify key patterns, such as recurrent episodes, specific triggers, or changes in medication efficacy over time. This can help flag patients who might benefit from re-evaluation of their current treatment plan or further diagnostic workup.
The feature provides a clear audit trail, often linking back to the source documents within the EHR from which the information was extracted. While the AI provides a summary, clinicians can easily review the underlying data to validate the findings and understand the context.

Compare Atrial Fibrillation History Feature

VS
Atrial Fibrillation History Feature vs EchoNext
Cardiology AI Adjacent · 60/100
Tool A, Apple's AFib History Feature, focuses on providing retrospective estimates of AFib burden and insights into lifestyle factors for users already diagnosed with AFib, utilizing data from…
VS
Atrial Fibrillation History Feature vs Sleepiz One+
Cardiology AI Adjacent · 65/100
Tool A, Apple's AFib History Feature, focuses on retrospective estimation of AFib burden and lifestyle factor correlation for diagnosed individuals using a wearable. Tool B, Sleepiz One+, offers…
VS
Atrial Fibrillation History Feature vs PMcardio
Cardiology AI Adjacent · 65/100
Tool A, Apple's AFib History Feature, is designed for diagnosed AFib patients to retrospectively track AFib burden and understand lifestyle impacts using an Apple Watch. Tool B, PMcardio,…
VS
Atrial Fibrillation History Feature vs Cardiomo
Cardiology AI Adjacent · 75/100
These tools are adjacent in their focus on cardiovascular health monitoring through wearables, but serve different primary purposes. Apple's AFib History Feature is designed for diagnosed AFib patients…

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Suggest an Edit → | Last Verified: 2026-04-17 | First Added: 2026-04-17

Investors who backed Atrial Fibrillation History Feature

Funded through the company that built this tool.

Transformer VC
PE T3
Gru00fcnwald, Germany
unknown
Transformer VC is a German-affiliated venture firm with a LinkedIn presence under Transformer Capital but virtually no other public footprint to anchor…
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