Apple Watch Series 4 officially announced with larger screen, faster processor and redesigned crown

Today Apple officially unveiled the Apple Watch Series 4. While the new model retains the stylish and classy design it adds some meaningful and useful changes to the wearable while introducing some interesting new features.

Design

The Apple Watch Series 4 comes with larger display options, allowing customers to choose between a 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch, compared to the 38mm and 42mm options making them 30% larger than the previous generations. Apple has used OLED technology, and Apple has managed to retain the overall size of the Apple Watch by curving the display into the corners and offering thinner bezels. This means that it is even compatible with existing Apple Watch wristbands.

You will see two new slits on the side of the new Apple Watch which houses the new, larger speaker. The microphone can be found on the opposite side to avoid interference between the two. The goal of the realignment is to allow the wearable to deliver clearer phone calls.

Apple has also improved the digital crown on the new Apple Watch, offering haptic feedback when you turn the crown - giving a more pleasant and natural feel during the interaction. Apple has also replaced the red dot on Series 3 with a more subtle circle on the crown.

The Apple Watch Series 4 will be available in various colors and finishes. You can pick from Silver, Space Grey, Gold for the aluminium model, while the stainless steel version will be available in Polished or Space Black.



Hardware

The Apple Watch Series 4 also comes with several improvements under the hood, including a new S4 dual-core processor which Apple says is "up to 2x faster" than the previous generation. Despite the boost if performance, Apple promises the new Apple Watch will have the same "all-day battery life" as the previous generation.

Apple has also updated the sensors in its wearable, including a new gyroscope and accelerometer with improved accuracy. This will allow the Apple Watch to detect unusual movements such as slips and falls. Upon detection, it will ask if you want to call for help, and if it detects that you've been immobile for a minute after the fall, it will automatically call an emergency number.

The Apple Watch Series 4 features an optical heart rate monitor which keeps track of your pulse 24/7. It will alert you of unusual heart activity and, potentially, health issues. What's new is the built-in electrical heart rate sensor, which allows you to take an electrocardiogram, otherwise known as an ECG. Apple Watch Series 4 is the first FDA-approved retail ECG device, which means that the data gathered is suitable for medical use.




Software

Apple's watchOS 5 has been optimized to support the larger display of the Apple Watch Series 4. Apple will be introducing several new complications and watchfaces that will take advantage of the extra screen space on the new wearable.

Release and Availability

The Apple Watch Series 4 will be available for pre-order starting September 14, and will be released on September 21. The pricing for the new wearable is as follows:

• Apple WAtch Series 4 with GPS - $399
• Apple Watch Series 4 with Cellular - $499

Meanwhile the previous generation Apple Watch has been discounted and will also be available as a more affordable option for customers:

• Apple Watch Series 3 - $279

You can purchase the Apple Watch Series 3 at its new price starting today.