If there is one device that nearly stole the show at the highly anticipated Apple’s iPhone event last week, it is none other than the brand new Apple Watch. As expected, the fourth-gen smart watch wowed the audience, especially since it looks much sleeker than its predecessors.
According to BGR, this is all thanks to the tech giant’s decision to increase the device’s display and, at the same time, slightly reduce the thickness. But Apple Watch Series 4, which is expected to arrive in stores later this week, is not only about introducing a major design makeover. That is because it is also full of new health features, most of which are not available on any competing device. This includes the ECG monitor, which is just the tip of the iceberg. With only a couple of days to go until the device finally ships, it appears that all first reviews are singing praises.
Updated on 9 December 2024
If users have already used an earlier version with any regularity, they should expect the increase in surface area. Surprisingly, the latter appears to be pretty readily apparent. This is most especially the case when an email notification surfaces. This also good news for app developers, as they will now have the ability to jam in more detail and the Apple Watch’s faces can offer additional complications. At the end of the day, it is a win-win situation for all.
Aside from the new health features, another reason that will entice users is the upgrade that offers an edge-to-edge display. This already provides more than 30 percent extra screen real estate, whether users decide to opt for the bigger 44mm case or the 40mm version. On a modest size screen, 30 percent is already huge, and the payoff for consumers comes with larger text and bigger buttons.
The new watch feels zippier, too; there’s an updated processor. The speaker is considerably louder, as well, a benefit when users are listening to Siri or communicating via the new Walkie-Talkie app that arrived with watchOS 5. The Walkie-Talkie app – each person presses an on-screen button on their respective watch screens to talk – might come in handy when it is better to convey something by voice rather than text.
The Apple Watch 4 is coming in four variants: 40mm and 44mm sizes, and with or without LTE.
In terms of the Apple Watch 4 release date, pre-orders are open now but consumers will have to wait for September 21 if they want to actually get this thing on their wrist.
The GPS-only version will start at $399 for the smallest version, launching in 26 territories. The cellular option will be $499 and is coming to 16 markets.
For those who are looking for a contract with the LTE watch, it would be best to check carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile in the US. For consumers in the UK, EE offers deals for the LTE version of the watch as it did for the Apple Watch 3, and Vodafone has joined the party with the Watch 4 by offering a data connection too.