Apple Watch ECG will roll out to more countries over the course of 2019

Apple is expected to roll out the ECG function that debuted on the Apple Watch Series 4 to more countries in 2019, according to a new report.

Ever-present analyst Ming-Chi Kuo - who has a respectable track record of forecasting the Cupertino giant's plans - has outlined in a new investor memo (via 9to5Mac) that Apple is hoping to gain approval and certification to run the smartwatch feature outside the US later this year, though there's currently no indication of what countries may be first on the list.

Read next: A guide to using ECG on the Apple Watch

As we've previously seen reported, it could take years for the feature to land in the other territories, since Apple would need to repeat the same certification process it did with the FDA in the US with each company's own regulatory body. Perhaps encouragingly, though, this latest report would suggest the process of gaining permission has been underway for some time, and is now expected to be completed over the coming months.

In typical Kuo style, the ECG dart wasn't the only thing thrown at the board. The analyst also predicted the company will soon offer a new ceramic casing design for the Watch; something that isn't currently available through the Series 4, but did feature on older versions of the smartwatch.

There was even a hint on the Apple AirPods 2, as well. Kuo says that the upcoming hearable - expected to be announced during the the first half of 2019 - will support wireless charging and upgraded Bluetooth connectivity.

That wireless charging feature, miraculously, could also come through the infamous Apple AirPower unit - a device that was revealed back in 2017 before going MIA. Kuo's note indicates AirPower will also join the AirPods 2 in launching over the coming few months, meaning an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods could all charge simultaneously.

Of course, as with all reports of this nature, it's important to take them with a pinch of salt. While there's likely some truth in what Kuo reports, the likelihood that all will come to fruition in the timelines suggested is very unlikely. Stay tuned for more whispers, though, as we look to piece together the puzzle on the Apple Watch Series 5 and more.