The Apple Watch Series 4 may bring larger display and improved heart rate detection

Refreshed AirPods are also set to land this fall
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The Apple Watch could soon receive on of its biggest design changes since launch, with a report indicating both models of the Series 4 smartwatch will come with larger displays.

That's according to industry tipster Ming-Chi Kuo, who has published a new research note (via 9to5Mac) for investors that includes fresh details about what we can expect to launch from Cupertino this fall. And while there's a long list of potential devices coming our way, Kuo reaffirmed his March report that that the Apple Watch Series 4 will come in two variations with bigger screens, one with a 1.57-inch display and another with a 1.78-inch display.

Read this: 41 of the best Apple Watch tips

In contrast to the current screens on the 38mm and 42mm models, that's quite a big increase. Right now, users are offered a 1.32-inch and a 1.5-inch display, depending on the model size they pick up, meaning that the new, smaller variation would have a face akin to the current 42mm model.

However, if the report is to be believed, it also raises the question whether Apple will stick to the 38mm and 42mm case height sizings it's offered since the device's inception. If it does, it would be an impressive design feat to remove some of the dead bezel area.

Increase in heart rate powers

And it's not the only subject we're left to speculate about, either, with Kuo's report also suggesting that enhanced heart rate detection will be coming to the new Apple smartwatch. Again, the true extent of this improvement wasn't identified by the analyst, though it could relate to anything from improved accuracy in Apple's algorithm to use of the monitor to track serious health conditions.

Aside from the Apple Watch whispers, Kuo backed up a Bloomberg report that we're in line for new AirPods in 2018 - ones that will provide us with 'Hey Siri' activation. The long overdue AirPower, Apple's official charging mat that can bring juice to an iPhone, Watch and Pods simultaneously, is also set for a September launch after being teased over a year ago.

So, there's a lot to potentially get excited about here. But despite Kuo's solid track with matters of this regard, things can still change between now and Apple's usual September event. Stay tuned, because we expect plenty more whispers to swirl in the wind before everything becomes official.

The Apple Watch Series 4 may bring larger display and improved heart rate detection




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Conor Allison

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Conor moved to Wareable Media Group in 2017, initially covering all the latest developments in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR. He made a name for himself writing about trying out translation earbuds on a first date and cycling with a wearable airbag, as well as covering the industry’s latest releases.

Following a stint as Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint, Conor returned to Wareable Media Group in 2022 as Editor-at-Large. Conor has become a wearables expert, and helps people get more from their wearable tech, via Wareable's considerable how-to-based guides. 

He has also contributed to British GQ, Wired, Metro, The Independent, and The Mirror. 


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