Apple Watch Series 4 next year?

[Dave245]

What are you opinions on there being a Series 4 of the Apple Watch next year? do you think Apple will update them every year now or will they wait 2 years? If there is a new Apple Watch next year what do you think they will add to it?

New design?
battery battery life?
more health sensors?

The Series 3 selling point this year seemed to be LTE and independence from the iPhone, i wonder what next years model will bring. I currently have a Series 0 and apart from battery life it is serving me well so i might just wait until the Series 4.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I have owned my Series 3 for 3 weeks now. Can't believe how much I use this and enjoy it. I got the GPS edition because I didn't want to pay $50 extra and $10/mo (x2 cuz my wife got an AW3 as well).

Amazing how many people I meet who have series 1, etc... who are very happy with their watches.

What would make me want to upgrade? An always on display option showing time. More health sensors. I'm pretty happy with the battery life but I'm one of those who will always accept more battery life if given. LTE didn't interest me much. That said, I've taken 2 calls on my watch (phone was 30+ ft away) and was very impressed. More application support - seems to be very light app support for the watch.

My guess is every year.

 

[Brookzy]

I'd bet every last penny I had on there being a Series 4 in September

At least, for as long as Tim Cook is in post the annual upgrades for iPhone and Apple Watch will keep coming I think. Keeps the money rolling in!

There were rumblings of a new design for Series 3. Personally I think the current design has legs for many more years yet, just like it did for iPod, iPhone, iPad, and so on. The Watch is actually following the iPhone and iPad design trajectory quite well to be honest: getting fatter through each iteration as more things are squeezed in there (the 3G was thicker than the first iPhone; the 3rd generation iPad was significantly thicker than iPad 2). I think we're at peak thickness now.

So I'm expecting Series 4 to be thinner but not have a new design.

I'd love to see more health sensors but anything meaningful is probably a while off yet (e.g. blood pressure and sugar). But that certainly looks like a long term objective, for Apple Watch to become a comprehensive health companion.

I initially thought better battery life was a dead cert. But 1) the battery life on the Series 3 is already amazing, and 2) I think they would be happy to keep the battery life the same and make it thinner. I'd actually expect a smaller battery, honestly.

I'm sure we'll see some statistic on the slides about better cellular reception, attributed to a new modem and tweaked antenna design, but that probably won't translate to much real-world difference.

And, of course, a new, faster, and more power-efficient system-on-a-chip.

So in a bulleted list, I'd expect:

• A smaller battery, but the same or better quoted battery life
• Thinner, but the same overall design
• Tweaked cellular system (of negligible impact)
• Improved screen (thinner, more colourful, possibly higher resolution and brighter)
• Louder speaker for Siri
• Faster processor
• New colours, certainly of the ceramic Edition, but maybe of aluminium too
• Better iPhone independence in watchOS 5

What do you think?

 

[canyonblue737]

What are you opinions on there being a Series 4 of the Apple Watch next year? do you think Apple will update them every year now or will they wait 2 years? If there is a new Apple Watch next year what do you think they will add to it?

New design?
battery battery life?
more health sensors?

The Series 3 selling point this year seemed to be LTE and independence from the iPhone, i wonder what next years model will bring. I currently have a Series 0 and apart from battery life it is serving me well so i might just wait until the Series 4.

Apple doesn't always stick to patterns with the sole exception of always, always, always having a new version of the iPhone each year but that said it seems they are on an every year update pattern for the watch and I personally believe they will stick to that for many years to come.

My thoughts on Series 4?

1. Yet again same basic shape but we may see for the first time ever some thinning of the watch. All bands will continue to work with the watch.
2. Improved fitness related sensors, in particular new lower energy optical HR sensors that will allow Apple Watch to track HR every single second 24/7 as their competitors, Fitbit and Garmin, currently already do. There may also be new fitness sensors beyond HR but I'm not sure if they will make it for 2018.
3. Maybe an improved screen with higher resolution?
4. The usual faster processor.
5. Improved battery life, but this will be slow gains, don't expect massive improvements.

 

[riverfreak]

Optical blood glucose monitoring would be a killer, killer addition to the watch.

I don’t expect battery life to increase in an appreciative amount. It’s great now and simply no big deal to charge at night. I’d prefer greater functionality and Apple tends to act around the same lines.

 

[Dave245]

I'd bet every last penny I had on there being a Series 4 in September

At least, for as long as Tim Cook is in post the annual upgrades for iPhone and Apple Watch will keep coming I think. Keeps the money rolling in!

There were rumblings of a new design for Series 3. Personally I think the current design has legs for many more years yet, just like it did for iPod, iPhone, iPad, and so on. The Watch is actually following the iPhone and iPad design trajectory quite well to be honest: getting fatter through each iteration as more things are squeezed in there (the 3G was thicker than the first iPhone; the 3rd generation iPad was significantly thicker than iPad 2). I think we're at peak thickness now.

So I'm expecting Series 4 to be thinner but not have a new design.

I'd love to see more health sensors but anything meaningful is probably a while off yet (e.g. blood pressure and sugar). But that certainly looks like a long term objective, for Apple Watch to become a comprehensive health companion.

I initially thought better battery life was a dead cert. But 1) the battery life on the Series 3 is already amazing, and 2) I think they would be happy to keep the battery life the same and make it thinner. I'd actually expect a smaller battery, honestly.

I'm sure we'll see some statistic on the slides about better cellular reception, attributed to a new modem and tweaked antenna design, but that probably won't translate to much real-world difference.

And, of course, a new, faster, and more power-efficient system-on-a-chip.

So in a bulleted list, I'd expect:

• A smaller battery, but the same or better quoted battery life
• Thinner, but the same overall design
• Tweaked cellular system (of negligible impact)
• Improved screen (thinner, more colourful, possibly higher resolution and brighter)
• Louder speaker for Siri
• Faster processor
• New colours, certainly of the ceramic Edition, but maybe of aluminium too
• Better iPhone independence in watchOS 5

What do you think?

I think they will update it in September as usual, maybe they will also add a new version made from a different material, I think a faster processor and all of that is very probable, personally I’d like to see some more fitness features, a better battery than my current Series 0 which does drain fast when I go for a run.

I’m not bothered about a design change I like the current design, Plus I have a number of different bands and really don’t want to have to re-buy them.

 

[riverfreak]

I think they will update it in September as usual, maybe they will also add a new version made from a different material, I think a faster processor and all of that is very probable, personally I’d like to see some more fitness features, a better battery than my current Series 0 which does drain fast when I go for a run.

I’m not bothered about a design change I like the current design, Plus I have a number of different bands and really don’t want to have to re-buy them.

You should really consider the Series 3. It is a huge upgrade in terms of general usability. I was rarely able to get non Apple apps to load on my Series 0.

 

[44267547]

I think they will update it in September as usual, maybe they will also add a new version made from a different material, I think a faster processor and all of that is very probable, personally I’d like to see some more fitness features, a better battery than my current Series 0 which does drain fast when I go for a run.

I’m not bothered about a design change I like the current design, Plus I have a number of different bands and really don’t want to have to re-buy them.

Aside from the expected changes we already know about the battery, processor, There is no doubt Apple will retain the band port, they have so much money tied up into this with bands and it's a huge profit for them in the bands accessories. I'm not Even remotely concerned about that.

I think the changes that will be coming:

1.) Larger display offered in a 44 mm.

2.) Additional casings offered in colors for the aluminum and stainless. (Space Gray stainless for example.)

3.) I think Apple will expand more into the watchbands and add some functionality to them that can communicate with the Apple Watch in someway. This had been rumored in the past and will be interesting to see if this happens or not.

4.) I think Apple will retain the current form factor, but alter it slightly where it could be more contoured to the wrist.

5.) WatchOS 5 hopefully will bring the biggest changes, additional watch faces and perhaps even some sort a type of Apple Watch face store, which I know likely isn't a possibility, but would be much appreciated.

 

[Otflyer]

You should really consider the Series 3. It is a huge upgrade in terms of general usability. I was rarely able to get non Apple apps to load on my Series 0.

I went from a series 0 I wore for 2.5 yrs. The series 0 worked well for me but, the battery was failing. I expect to keep my series 3 SS for at least 3 yrs (dependent on battery lasting that long), no matter what new features are added in future releases.

 

[Nismo73]

I would think they'll introduce a redesigned watch and second gen airpods in the fall at the same time. But is it during the phone event or a second fall event which is the question.

 

[Dave245]

I would think they'll introduce a redesigned watch and second gen airpods in the fall at the same time. But is it during the phone event or a second fall event which is the question.

Well if they do I hope they don’t change the band connection because there will be a lot of annoyed people who have a collection of Apple Watch bands. I don’t mind the current design of the Apple Watch it looks great, I’m just looking for something more to upgrade from my Series 0, LTE wasn’t it because I’m in the UK and it’s only available with EE plus I don’t plan on going places without my phone (except for when I go running).

 

[Brookzy]

Well if they do I hope they don’t change the band connection because there will be a lot of annoyed people who have a collection of Apple Watch bands. I don’t mind the current design of the Apple Watch it looks great, I’m just looking for something more to upgrade from my Series 0, LTE wasn’t it because I’m in the UK and it’s only available with EE plus I don’t plan on going places without my phone (except for when I go running).

You could get the GPS model?

As soon as you've used a Series 3 you won't understand how you lived with the first generation for so long.

 

[Otflyer]

Well if they do I hope they don’t change the band connection because there will be a lot of annoyed people who have a collection of Apple Watch bands. I don’t mind the current design of the Apple Watch it looks great, I’m just looking for something more to upgrade from my Series 0, LTE wasn’t it because I’m in the UK and it’s only available with EE plus I don’t plan on going places without my phone (except for when I go running).

I personally doubt Apple will make any huge changes to the watch. It has been an evolutionary process as opposed to revolutionary. I believe they could alter the form factor an still accommodate the current bands.

 

[Dave245]

You could get the GPS model?

As soon as you've used a Series 3 you won't understand how you lived with the first generation for so long.

Is the battery life much better than on the Series 3? i thought it was around the same because Apple didn't say anything about it at the September keynote. I did go look at the Series 3 in my nearest Apple store but one of the employee's said that it wasn't worth upgrading if i wasn't going to use the LTE stand alone functionality.

 

[Brookzy]

Is the battery life much better than on the Series 3? i thought it was around the same because Apple didn't say anything about it at the September keynote. I did go look at the Series 3 in my nearest Apple store but one of the employee's said that it wasn't worth upgrading if i wasn't going to use the LTE stand alone functionality.

The Series 3 GPS is just the LTE model without LTE*... it's leagues ahead of the Series 0 in every way.

*And 8GB instead of 16GB, and a composite instead of a ceramic back, but this isn't that important.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Is the battery life much better than on the Series 3? i thought it was around the same because Apple didn't say anything about it at the September keynote. I did go look at the Series 3 in my nearest Apple store but one of the employee's said that it wasn't worth upgrading if i wasn't going to use the LTE stand alone functionality.

I have the AW 3 GPS only. With a 40min - 1 hour exercise, I end the day usually at 83-88% with raise to wake on. With raise to wake off, I'll usually end the day in the low 90s with the same exercise.

 

[rockitdog]

I'm 100% certain there will be a series 4 Apple Watch!

 

[Otflyer]

I'm 100% certain there will be a series 4 Apple Watch!

There may be but, it won’t be hugely better than the series 3 imo. Not enough to make series 3 owners upgrade.

 

[Dave245]

The Series 3 GPS is just the LTE model without LTE*... it's leagues ahead of the Series 0 in every way.

*And 8GB instead of 16GB, and a composite instead of a ceramic back, but this isn't that important.

Doesn’t that depend on the version you buy? I had the SS 42mm Series 0 and I got the ceramic back. I’m going to the Apple store on Saturday again during a shopping trip so I will have another look at the series 3 then.
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I have the AW 3 GPS only. With a 40min - 1 hour exercise, I end the day usually at 83-88% with raise to wake on. With raise to wake off, I'll usually end the day in the low 90s with the same exercise.

After doing a run my series 0 goes down to about 77% from 100% that’s with raise to wake and the heart rate monitoring turned on. I usually end the day with around 30 - 20% and sometimes less it all depends on what time I go to bed.

 

[Brookzy]

Doesn’t that depend on the version you buy? I had the SS 42mm Series 0 and I got the ceramic back. I’m going to the Apple store on Saturday again during a shopping trip so I will have another look at the series 3 then.

Yep the ceramic back is still included on all non-aluminium models and on aluminium cellular models, but you can't get a GPS-only stainless steel or ceramic Watch, hence all GPS-only Series 3s have composite backs.

 

[Dj64Mk7]

There may be but, it won’t be hugely better than the series 3 imo. Not enough to make series 3 owners upgrade.

I feel like that's the way Apple products, in general, are heading. More modest upgrades year-over-year to iPhones and Watches make people think twice about upgrading every year..

 

[44267547]

I feel like that's the way Apple products, in general, are heading. More modest upgrades year-over-year to iPhones and Watches make people think twice about upgrading every year..

Using the Apple Watch as an example, it's an expensive piece of tech. The stainless base model starts at $650.00, to me that's high, even for a well made Product Apple releases. I think the Watch pays for itself depending what type of usage you gain from it, but that's why the aluminum model is vastly more popular because of the price point.

Also, the Apple Watch being a niche Product, it's certainly not an upgrade likely for most consumers on an annual basis.

 

[Archer1440]

Using the Apple Watch as an example, it's an expensive piece of tech..

Yes, but it's a fraction of the price of just one of my mechanical watches... that only tell time. It's all relative.

 

[44267547]

Yes, but it's a fraction of the price of just one of my mechanical watches... that only tell time. It's all relative.

Mechanical Watches and wearable tech are entirely different markets. Wearable tech is more of a superflourous commodity, but it's gained significant popularity over the years. I also favor my Apple Watches over my other Watches, which does everything I need and more.

 

[Dj64Mk7]

it's certainly not an upgrade likely for most consumers on an annual basis.

Ironically, I upgraded to my Series 2 SS from my Series 0 Aluminum just about a year after purchasing that Series 0 model. Of course, I sold my Series 0 and went a week without a Watch, but I think it was worth it to shave $95 off the price of my Series 2 (net cost was $260.)