Today, Apple unveiled all of its new devices for 2018. The event kicked off with the Apple Watch Series 4 – which gives a pretty good indication of how proud Apple is of it. Here are nine things you need to know about.
Interestingly, the Apple Watch isn’t just the world’s best-selling smartwatch – it’s the best-selling watch, period. If you’re contemplating taking the plunge, here are the chief improvements over last generation’s model.
It’s 30% bigger
Apple Watch Series 4 boasts a screen that’s 30% larger than it’s predecessor – in a smaller-volume package. This is made possible by the edge-to-edge screen.
It’s 50% louder
Apple has beefed up the inbuilt speakers – which should make it easier to hear Siri outdoors. The microphone has also been moved to the opposite side of the watch to improve overall phone call quality.
There are two (slightly larger) sizes
The Apple Watch Series 4 will come in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm. This replaces the previous watch face sizes of 38mm and 42mm.
New CPU, UI and sensors
The Apple Watch Series 4 comes with the new 64-bit S4 chip which reportedly makes it twice as fast as its predecessor. It also boasts a completely redesigned UI – which will provide better functionality in Maps, Photo, Calendar and other apps. There’s also a new accelerometer and gyroscope that Apple reckons can sample motion data up to eight times faster than Series 3.
It can detect a fall
No, not a traditional fall – it’s strapped to your bloomin’ wrist. Instead, the Apple Watch Series 4 can detect if its owner falls over. Siri will then send a call automatically to emergency services or other nominated contact. This could be literally be a life-saving feature if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer a heart attack. It will also give peace of mind when it comes to older relatives who live alone.
It has an in-built electrocardigram
According to Apple, this is the first ECG to be offered over the counter to consumers. It detects electrical heartbeats in the wrist and allows you to take an ECG in just 30 seconds.
During the event, the American Heart Association’s president Dr Ivor Benjamin claimed that the ability to capture real time data from the heart on a portable device would change the face of medicine.
It’s WR-50M swim-proof
This means you can use it while swimming up to 50 metres below the surface.
Unchanged battery life
Apple is promising that the Apple Watch Series 4 will provide identical battery life to its predecessor, which translates to a full day of usage.
What about the price?
The vanilla Apple Series Watch 4 will set you back $599 in Australia. The cellular version starts at $749. There are also stainless steel options that go up to $1199.
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