The Apple Watch Series 4 was released in September 2018, making it over five years old as of 2024.
Unveiling the Launch Date: How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 4?
The Apple Watch Series 4 officially debuted on September 12, 2018, alongside the iPhone XS and XS Max. It hit the shelves shortly after, with pre-orders starting on September 14 and availability beginning on September 21, 2018. This marked a significant milestone for Apple’s smartwatch lineup, introducing major design changes and new health features that set it apart from previous models.
Given that today is mid-2024, the Series 4 is nearly six years old. In tech years, that’s quite a stretch—especially for wearable devices that often see rapid innovation cycles. Despite its age, the Series 4 remains a noteworthy device because it introduced features that are still relevant in newer models.
Design Evolution: What Set the Series 4 Apart at Launch?
Apple took a bold step with the Series 4 by redesigning its physical appearance. The screen size jumped from a maximum of 42mm in previous versions to options of 40mm and 44mm, offering more display area without drastically increasing the watch’s overall size. This was achieved through slimmer bezels and rounded corners.
The watch also became thinner, measuring just 10.7mm thick compared to the Series 3’s 11.4mm. This subtle refinement made it more comfortable for daily wear and gave it a sleeker profile.
Beyond size, the Digital Crown was enhanced with haptic feedback, providing a tactile sensation when scrolled—a feature that added precision and a satisfying user experience. The back casing switched to ceramic and sapphire crystal to improve wireless charging capabilities.
Key Design Specs Comparison
| Feature | Series 3 | Series 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 38mm / 42mm | 40mm / 44mm |
| Thickness | 11.4 mm | 10.7 mm |
| Digital Crown Feedback | No haptic feedback | Haptic feedback added |
| Back Material | Composite back or ceramic (LTE) | Ceramic & sapphire crystal (all models) |
| Processor | S3 dual-core processor | S4 dual-core processor (64-bit) |
Performance Milestones: How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 4 in Terms of Hardware?
Inside the sleek frame of the Series 4 lies Apple’s S4 chip—a custom-designed dual-core processor clocked at up to twice the speed of its predecessor’s S3 chip. This leap in processing power meant smoother animations, faster app launches, and better overall responsiveness.
The watch also featured an upgraded accelerometer and gyroscope capable of detecting falls—a first for Apple Watch devices—which could automatically alert emergency services if needed. This hardware innovation was groundbreaking for personal safety in wearables.
Battery life remained consistent with prior models at approximately 18 hours per charge under typical usage scenarios. While not revolutionary, this endurance was enough for daily wear and overnight sleep tracking if desired.
The storage capacity doubled from previous iterations—from 8GB to a generous 16GB—allowing users more room for apps, music, and podcasts directly on their wrist.
The Software Leap: watchOS Enhancements That Came With Series 4
The Apple Watch Series 4 launched with watchOS 5 pre-installed. This version introduced several fresh software features designed to complement its new hardware capabilities:
- Fall Detection: Utilizing advanced sensors, fall detection could identify hard falls and prompt users to call emergency services if unresponsive.
- ECG Functionality: The built-in electrical heart sensor enabled users to take an electrocardiogram directly from their wrist—a first in consumer smartwatches.
- Siri Improvements: Siri became more proactive with voice feedback through the speaker instead of just text-based answers.
- Walkie-Talkie Mode: This fun feature allowed instant push-to-talk communication between Apple Watch users.
- Enhanced Workout Tracking: New workout types like yoga and hiking were added alongside improved activity rings.
These software advancements made the device feel not only faster but smarter—transforming it into an essential health companion rather than just a gadget.
The Health Revolution: Why The Apple Watch Series 4 Still Matters Today
One cannot discuss how old is the Apple Watch Series 4 without highlighting its health innovations that remain relevant today.
The standout feature was undoubtedly the FDA-cleared ECG app paired with electrical heart sensors built into the Digital Crown and back crystal. This allowed users to capture single-lead electrocardiograms anytime—a massive leap forward in wearable health monitoring.
Moreover, the optical heart sensor received upgrades allowing better detection of irregular heart rhythms indicative of atrial fibrillation (AFib). These alerts have reportedly helped many users seek early medical intervention.
Fall detection also set a new standard for personal safety technology in smartwatches—especially beneficial for older adults or those with mobility issues.
While newer models have expanded on these capabilities with more sensors like blood oxygen monitoring or temperature sensing, many consider Series 4 as the device that truly brought medical-grade health tracking into everyday life.
Diving Into Health Features Comparison Across Models
| Health Feature | Series 3 (2017) | Series 4 (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| ECG Monitoring | No support | Yes (FDA-cleared) |
| Atrial Fibrillation Alerts | No support | Yes (via irregular rhythm notification) |
| Fall Detection | No support | Yes (automatic emergency call) |
The Longevity Factor: How Long Does The Apple Watch Series 4 Last?
Since its release nearly six years ago, many wonder about how long an Apple Watch like the Series 4 remains viable both technically and functionally.
From a hardware perspective, Apple Watches generally maintain solid build quality well beyond five years if cared for properly. However, battery degradation is inevitable; typical lithium-ion batteries decline roughly by about 20-30% capacity every two years depending on usage patterns. For most users today, replacing the battery might be necessary to maintain all-day performance.
On software support fronts, Apple tends to provide watchOS updates for roughly five years post-release. The last major update supporting Series 4 was watchOS version around mid-2023 before newer versions dropped compatibility due to hardware limitations such as RAM or processor speed constraints.
This means while you can still use your Series 4 today with stable performance on existing software versions, some newer apps or features introduced in recent watchOS updates may be unavailable or run less smoothly compared to newer models like Series 6 or Ultra.
The Market Impact: Pricing Trends Over Time Since Release
At launch in late September of 2018, pricing for the Apple Watch Series 4 started at $399 for GPS-only models and $499 for cellular-enabled variants in aluminum casing options. Stainless steel versions cost significantly more due to premium materials used.
Today’s market prices have shifted considerably:
- The original retail price is no longer applicable as new units are discontinued.
- The secondhand market sees prices ranging between $100-$200 depending on condition.
- Batteries replaced or refurbished units command higher resale value due to extended usability.
Here’s an overview table showing price evolution from launch through current resale values:
| Date Range | Status/Market Type | Aproximate Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sep–Dec 2018 (Launch Period) | N/A – New Retail Price | $399–$749 |
| 2019–2021 | N/A – New Retail Price & Early Resale | $299–$450 |
| 2022–Present | CPO & Used Market | $100–$220* |
*Prices vary based on model configuration (GPS vs Cellular), materials (aluminum vs stainless steel), condition, included accessories
User Experience Over Time: How Has The Apple Watch Series 4 Held Up?
Despite being one of Apple’s older smartwatch models now, many users report durable performance even after years of use. Its larger screen still looks sharp thanks to OLED technology delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Apps designed specifically for watchOS perform well given the S4 chip’s respectable processing power by today’s standards. Notifications arrive promptly; fitness tracking remains accurate; heart rate monitoring continues functioning reliably under normal conditions.
On battery life though—expect some decline unless replaced recently—as typical wear drains capacity faster than when new. Some owners might notice slower loading times or occasional glitches compared with newer generation watches equipped with faster processors and more RAM.
Still worth noting is that Apple’s ecosystem integration remains seamless; pairing with iPhones running compatible iOS versions ensures smooth syncing of messages, calls, music controls, calendar alerts—you name it—all accessible right from your wrist without hassle.
Key Takeaways: How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 4?
➤ Released in 2018, marking a major design update.
➤ Introduced larger displays with thinner bezels.
➤ Featured ECG capability, a first for Apple Watches.
➤ Improved performance with the S4 dual-core chip.
➤ Discontinued in 2020, replaced by newer models.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 4?
The Apple Watch Series 4 was released in September 2018, making it over five years old as of 2024. It remains a significant model in Apple’s lineup despite its age, introducing features that have influenced newer versions.
When Did The Apple Watch Series 4 Launch?
The Apple Watch Series 4 officially debuted on September 12, 2018. Pre-orders began on September 14, with availability starting on September 21, marking a major update for the smartwatch lineup.
How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 4 Compared to New Models?
As of mid-2024, the Series 4 is nearly six years old. While newer models have advanced features, the Series 4’s design and hardware innovations remain relevant in today’s wearable technology market.
What Design Changes Were Introduced with The Apple Watch Series 4?
The Series 4 featured larger screen sizes of 40mm and 44mm with slimmer bezels and rounded corners. It was thinner than previous models and added haptic feedback to the Digital Crown for enhanced user interaction.
How Does The Hardware Age Affect The Apple Watch Series 4?
Powered by the S4 dual-core processor, the Series 4 offered faster performance at launch. Though aging, its hardware still supports many functions effectively, but it may not run the latest software updates indefinitely.
The Final Word – How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 4?
To wrap things up clearly: the Apple Watch Series 4 launched in September 2018, making it over five-and-a-half years old as of mid-2024. It marked a turning point in smartwatch design by introducing larger screens, haptic feedback on controls, advanced health features like ECG monitoring and fall detection—all of which remain impressive even today.
While no longer supported by Apple’s latest software updates beyond certain versions means some modern features aren’t accessible anymore; many owners still find value using their devices daily due to robust hardware build quality and solid core functionality around fitness tracking and notifications.
If you’re curious about how old is the Apple Watch Series 4 because you’re considering buying one secondhand or simply evaluating your current model’s lifespan—know this: it holds up remarkably well but expect some trade-offs compared to newer releases regarding speed enhancements or cutting-edge sensors introduced since then.
In essence: this smartwatch classic continues serving its purpose admirably despite aging gracefully within one of tech’s fastest-evolving product categories.