As expected, Apple introduced its Apple Watch Series 4 models on Wednesday during its “Gather Round” media event. The new units arrive in 40mm and 4mm sizes, as opposed to the traditional 38mm and 42mm sizes, and include new watch faces with more detailed complications.
The new watch faces include a slew of new complications, along with several animated faces such as Breathe, fire, and water.
The new displays are 30 percent larger while the watch body itself is thinner. The built-in speaker is now 50 percent louder with the microphone on the opposite side of the case from the speaker.
Apple’s S4 chip includes a 64-bit dual-core processor that offers up to double performance compared to previous models. It also includes a new gyroscope that offers twice the dynamic range and can detect falls. Once a fall is detected, Apple Watch can send an alert to your emergency contact and call emergency services for you.
An updated series of heart rate sensors can now offer alerts for low heart rate, irregular heart rate, and track electrocardiogram data, something the company states as the first over-the-counter device that offers ECG tracking. The ECG feature also has FDA clearance, as do the alerts and representatives have stated that those features will be available this year.
The Apple Watch Series 4 units offer the same 18-hour battery life as previous models, while activity tracking is said to be less power hungry.
The new Apple Watch models come in Space Gray, silver, and gold with aluminum Sport cases or stainless steel. Special edition Nike and Hermés models are available, too.
Other features include GPS, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, Bluetooth, and Siri voice responses. The new models support all existing Apple Watch bands, so you can keep your current favorites.
The new models retail for $399 with GPS, and $499 for GPS plus Cellular. Where older units are concerned, Apple Watch Series 3 base price is dropping to $279.
Apple Watch Series 4 is available for pre-order this Friday, September 14. Deliveries and in store purchases begin on September 21st.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via The Mac Observer