13 things you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 4

13 things you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch Series 1-3 were all well and good, but they were essentially the same physical watch. Sure, each year delivered performance upgrades and new features, but the design remained indistinguishable. So three years down the line, Apple has delivered a true redesign for Series 4. It’s thinner and boasts a bigger screen — yay! But it’s more expensive and still only has a one-day battery life — boo! Still, beyond those headlines, there’s actually a lot more new with Apple Watch Series 4, so let’s unpick everything you need to know about Apple’s latest piece of jewellery.

1. It’s twice as fast

The first generation Apple Watch felt seriously underpowered, but subsequent generations have remained comfortingly speedy. Nevertheless, Apple saw it fit to introduce a new processor for the Series 4, predictably called the S4 — a dual-core 64-bit processor that’s up to 2x faster than the previous S3 processor. The Series 4 also now has Bluetooth 5.0. What does that mean? Well, probably not a lot for most people, but if you use your watch with recently-released wireless headphones, it could mean more speed, better range, and lower power consumption.

2. There are two new sizes

Goodbye 38mm and 42mm case sizes, hello 40mm and 44mm! These new case sizes may be slightly bigger, but they allow for vastly bigger display areas — in fact, the smaller of the two Series 4 watches has a bigger display area than the bigger model on the last generation. Also, these new displays boast more aesthetically-pleasing curved edges, which we’ll just have to make do with in lieu of a round Apple Watch for now.

3. But it’s significantly more expensive (and not much thinner)

Apple can crow all it likes about the screen but the cheapest aluminium model is £70 more than its predecessor in both sizes, while the cellular version sees a £100 jump for both size. 30 per cent bigger screens; up to 25 per cent more dolla. While the videos of Apple Watch Series 4 make it look quite a lot thinner than the Series 3, the reality is that it’s only 0.7mm skinnier, down from 11.4mm to 10.7mm. Still, every little helps, right?

4. The digital crown has haptic feedback

The digital crown on the old Apple Watch was just a static instrument — the new Series 4 introduces haptic feedback. That means it’ll vibrate subtly when you’re scrolling through lists of podcasts, so that you get to feel each entry as you go. It’s a subtle improvement, and one you won’t really notice if you use the touchscreen to scroll more than the crown, but it’s one of those small aesthetic touches that we’ve come to expect from Apple.

5. It loves your heart

The Series 4’s optical heart rate sensor has been upgraded with electrodes that allow you to take an electrocardiogram, something you’d normally need to see a doctor to do. Just hold you finger on the crown for 30 seconds and it’ll take a reading that you can send to your GP. The optical part of the sensor will now also warn you if your heart rate is unusually low, which could indicate blood flow problems, plus it can send you a notification if it notices an unusual rhythm in your BPMs. Basically, the Series 4 has got your heart’s back.

6. No pride before a fall

A brand new feature for Series 4 is fall detection – something that should appeal to older Apple Watch fans and clumsy ice skaters alike. Apple describes the feature as something it hopes you never have to use, but will appreciate if you do. Basically, the watch can detect the different physical signs of a trip, slip or fall, and if it doesn’t detect any motion after the incident, it alerts your emergency contacts. Safe.

7. It will work with all existing accessories

Rest easy, those who have bought heavily into the Apple Watch ecosystem. All of those Apple Watch straps we’ve recommended over the years will work with your new Apple Watch Series 4, although there are a load of new straps available to coincide with the launch, including such Apple-esque colour names as “Cape Cod Blue” and “Hibiscus”. Your existing chargers will also work with the new watch, although we sadly didn’t get an update on Apple’s own wireless charging dock during this press conference.

8. Audio gets a big boost

One of the biggest physical redesigns on the watch is that the microphone has been moved onto the other side of the watch, away from the speaker. That should mean that when you take phone calls on your watch like Inspector Gadget, the person on the other end will hear your voice clearer. The speaker has also been given a boost so that audio is clearer and louder than before, although we doubt you’ll be using it as a party starter anytime soon.

9. Battery life is improved for exercise fiends

Ask any Apple Watch owner what they would improve about it, chances are they’ll tell you it’s battery life. Sadly, the Apple Watch Series 4 still only has the same 18-hour battery life, so you’ll still need to charge it every night (although we’ve found Series 3 can actually last a day-and-a-half if pushed). The big improvement, though, is with outdoor tracking using GPS — Series 4 will now last 6 hours in this mode, meaning even the slowest marathon runners should be able to track their entire, gruelling performance.

10. The Nike+ variants boast light-reflecting Nylon straps

As with previous generation Apple Watches, Series 4 will also be available in Nike+ models, with both Sport Band and Sport Loop strap options. The nylon straps have reflective material woven into them, perfect for those athletes who just can’t resist running around in the dark. There’s also a new Nike+ watch face (pictured) that really makes the most of that 30 per cent larger screen.

11. Yoga comes to Workouts

If you believed Apple press conferences, you’d think that Apple Watch owners were an army of super-fit exercise addicts. While that’s not quite the case, fitness features are still a big part of the feature set for Watch Series 4, and Apple has added yoga to the workouts app for those who want to boast to their friends about the quality and regularity of their downward dog pose.

12. The ceramic version is history

Given that the ceramic version of the Series 3 started at £1299, it’s hardly surprising that you didn’t see many in the wild. It’s now officially history, with just aluminium and stainless steel finishes available, both in silver, black or gold. That means the Hermes line (pictured) is now the most premium offering in the lineup, with the most expensive setting you back £1499. For that you get a bespoke face that changes with the passing of time, plus those luxuriously soft leather straps.

13. It’s available REALLY soon

The Apple Watch Series 4 goes on pre-order at 8am UK time on September 14th, and will be shipped to you for September 21st, or you can go in-store on the same day to purchase. Bonus fact: it’ll also be coming to Vodafone for the first time, ending EE’s stranglehold on the 4G Apple Watch market. Apple WatchOS 5, meanwhile, will arrive as an update for existing watches on September 17th.