A new Apple Watch projected to be launched next week

Sep 3, 2018 13:01 GMT  ·  By

There’s no doubt that Apple’s September 12 is one of the most anticipated product launches of the year, and this time, iPhones won’t be the only one getting all the love.

In addition to an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Plus, and a cheaper iPhone, Apple also plans to unveil the new Apple Watch Series 4, which is the company’s new-generation smartwatch featuring several important upgrades.

The Apple Watch Series 4 won’t be a complete overhaul of the existing smartwatch, though it would include design changes that bring it in line with the new approach that Apple is using for other products.

Back in 2017, Apple made the first step towards an edge-to-edge design on the iPhone with the debut of the iPhone X, and now the same idea is expected to make its way to other devices as well, including the iPad and the Apple Watch.

Apple may be working on adding a new microphone to the Watch
Apple may be working on adding a new microphone to the Watch

By the looks of things, the upcoming smartwatch due on September 12 will get some refinements in this regard, as Apple has worked specifically on reducing bezels and thus improving the available screen estimate. This means more screen and less bezels, which in turn should mean that more functionality could be rolling out for Watch buyers.

The screen could be some 15 percent larger than on the previous model, and that’s certainly an important achievement. The dimensions of the watch won’t change too much, though the screen will, and this is important because of two different reasons.

First, it means the screen estate improves, as we said above, and then, it allows Apple Watch Series 4 buyers to continue using the bands they purchased for the previous generations. This has become more of a legacy of the Apple Watch, as Apple wants bands to work from one model to another, especially because there’s a whole industry created in this regard and customers use to spend extra on bands.

There won’t be a built-in camera or a notch, as some leaks have suggested, but instead there’s a chance Apple wants to add a second microphone, which should improve voice calls and Siri interaction.

Apple is working on a digital face showing a plethora of details, including what appears to be UV info. At this point, however, it’s not yet clear if Apple is adding a UV sensor, as it existed on the Microsoft Band, or the company wants to display information provided by an Internet service based on user location.

The new-generation Watch could also feature Digital Crown refinements
The new-generation Watch could also feature Digital Crown refinements

The Digital Crown and the side button could also undergo small refinements, but the bigger improvements are likely to happen under the hood of the watch.

Apple wants to improve the activity tracking capabilities of its wearable, so the device might boast features like sleep tracking and support for new types of sports. Improved water-resistance and tweaks for swimming are likely to be offered as well.

The heart-rate tracking sensor will probably get some upgrades as well for more accurate readings, and the Apple Watch Series 4 could launch with a bigger battery. This is mostly necessary because of the larger screen, but at the same time, the new capabilities might be rather power-demanding, especially when it comes to using sensors for activity tracking.

While the dimensions may not change, the weight might, especially because of this larger battery we’re talking about. However, it won’t be a substantial increase.

Pricing won’t be different from the previous generation, and Apple will kick off a pre-order program on September 14, which is the first Friday after the company’s September 12 press event. If the same roadmap as before is maintained, expect this smartwatch to go on sale on September 21.

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Apple Watch Series 4
Apple may be working on adding a new microphone to the WatchThe new-generation Watch could also feature Digital Crown refinements
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