Apple Watch Series 4 includes a larger screen and an integrated EKG scanner

Apple today unveils its line of Apple Watch Series 4 smartwatches. This is the first major revision of the watch's design since its debut more than three years ago, and the changes are immediately apparent. The screen of the watch now goes almost from one edge to the other, thanks to a wider screen with rounded edges. This larger screen, 30% larger, allows watchOS 5 to display more information thanks to the complications of Apple's built-in application. Apple is also in the process of reviewing the hardware of its Apple Watch, including a new integrated EKG scanner.

Apple is using a new 64-bit dual-core S4 processor, custom-designed by the company's silicon team to improve performance. Apple says its performance will be twice that of previous models. Other hardware enhancements include an updated accelerometer and gyroscope.

This new hardware allows Apple Watch Series 4 to detect falls and automatically triggers a call to emergency services if you are still one minute after the fall. Apple Watch Series 4 will also test the heart rate to detect irregularities that appear to be atrial fibrillation, but the real novelty is the possibility of taking an electrocardiogram (ECG). The latest Apple Watch will be the first EKG product available directly to consumers, and you just have to open an app and put your finger on the digital crown to trigger the ECG.

Apple has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow the use of its watch as a medical device.

Apple has also updated every part of the watchOS interface so that it is redesigned to take advantage of a larger screen and display more information in applications such as photos, maps and calendar. There is even a new dial with eight complications and other faces that interact with the screen. Although the display is larger, the overall volume is smaller than that of the Series 3 model, and it is also thinner than the previous generation.

The digital crown has been revised to now include a haptic feedback, and the LTE red dot indicator is now a ring. Apple has also upgraded the speaker of the Apple Watch Series 4, which makes it stronger with a new design. The back of the watch is now black ceramic with a sapphire crystal screen on the front.

Although it is clear from a major overhaul of the Apple Watch, Apple has not changed the battery life of the device. It will remain up to 18 hours of autonomy per day, which, in regular practice, should last two days of average use.

All existing groups will work on the Apple Watch Series 4, and new stainless steel and stainless steel finishes are available. Apple will make the Apple Watch 4 series available for pre-order on Friday and will be available on September 21 for $ 399 for the GPS version and $ 499 for the LTE models. Apple also continues to sell the Apple Watch Series 3 for $ 279.