Apple Watch Deals & Offers

Apple Watch 4: A User-Friendly Upgrade on the Apple Watch 3

Offering much more than a standard timepiece, Apple realised the first Apple Watch in 2015 and this initial version was marketed as more of an accessory than a fitness aid. From 2016, the second generation of Apple watches featured a more rugged appeal, with water resistance and GPS trackers. By 2017 the Apple Watch Series 3 was packing more battery life, along with faster processing speeds and helpful extras, like an altimeter to track the number of stairs a wearer climbs. The revamped Series 4 was made available in 2018, it's a sleeker model with a more lux appeal and improved functionality.

Designed primarily to help users enjoy a healthy lifestyle, the Apple Watch 4 has an optical heart sensor, an accelerometer and a fall detector, which makes it easier to reach an emergency service if necessary. There is Wi-Fi connectivity and a watchOS so people can link up with their iPhone or smartphone, plus the screen features a stunning OLED Retina display.

But is this smartwatch right for you? As we'll see, the Apple Watch 4 has plenty of amazing features, but make sure to learn all about the Watch before buying. This hotukdeals buyers guide will take you through everything you need to know about it, so read on to find out more about the Apple Watch 4.

The Apple Series 4 Watches

The Watch 4 has the largest display of all Apple wearables, and can be purchased with cellular and GPS capabilities, or as a GPS-only device. Although this new version has been conceived as a healthy lifestyle tool, it can also take phone calls and messages from the wearer's iOS enabled device. Streaming Apple Music or listening to Podcasts is simple, as it is compatible with Apple Air Pods.

Designed for sports, it has a range of abilities, like Emergency SOS and Fall Detection to help you out if something goes wrong when you're away from home. Furthermore, a selection of metrics let you monitor how your fitness is progressing and there is an advanced electronic heart rate monitor which sends notifications on high or low readings.

To keep you motivated there are personalised coaching tips, challenges, in-app achievements and the chance to share your news with friends - or compete with them.

Apple Watch Series 4 Special Editions: Hermès Edition and Nike+ Watches

In addition to the standard Apple Watch Series 4 and its variations, Apple have partnered with different companies to create special editions of the Apple Watch 4.

• Apple Watch Series 4 Hermès – A more elegant choice for fitness fans, this style-conscious version features the Hermès branding on a redesigned watch face and can be accessorised with a range of different strap choices. These include colourful extra-long leather versions which wrap around the wrist twice, reflecting the brand's equestrian past and calfskin straps which mirror the design of a Hermès racing glove.

• Apple Watch Nike+ – The Apple Watch Nike+ is aimed at people who tend to prefer running to other forms of training. It features a range of vibrant watch faces with the familiar branding and straps with reflective thread to keep you visible when working out near traffic. To pair with the watch, the sports brand has helped to create the Run Club app which provides coaching and tracking. If you prefer to integrate other types of activity into your fitness routine, there is also a Training Club which offers advice and practical ideas for other workouts.

Do You Need a Smartwatch?

The Apple Watch can be used for time-keeping, but that is not even half the story. This is a multitasker which plays music and keeps you connected even when you are away from your phone. Aside from these functions, it encourages you to keep fit, lets you keep track of your progress and delivers a range of other benefits for people trying to build or monitor their health. Of course, if you have an iPhone you will already be using many of the apps offered by the watch, so when is the Watch 4 a worthwhile purchase?

Primarily, the Watch 4 will appeal to people who want to monitor their fitness in an extremely convenient and advanced way. It allows users to spend less time with their phone, but remain in contact when they want to. A smartwatch could rarely be considered a necessity, but for people who are serious about sport, it represents an excellent alternative to carrying an iPhone.

Apple Watch 4 Technical Features

Here's a run-down of the GPS + Cellular Apple Watch 4 Technical Specifications:

• Finish: Silver/Space Grey/Gold

• Screen: 40mm/44mm

• Weight: 30.1g/36.7g

• Features: GPS/Electric Heart Sensor/Light Sensor/Gyroscope /Water Resistant To 50 metres

• Capacity: 16GB

• Display: OLED Retina display with Force Touch

• Chip: S4 with 64-bit dual-core processor

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 5.0

• Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

• Battery Life: 18 hours maximum

• Adapter: USB

Choosing a Size

The Apple Watch 4 is available in two screen sizes, 40mm high and 34mm wide, or 44mm high and 38mm wide. The larger version has a bigger screen with more pixels, meaning images and text are also bigger. You may also want to consider which kind of strap you prefer, as not all styles are available for each size. Although the larger version has a higher price tag, it also offers an extended battery life which will be useful for people who fit multiple workouts into each day.

You might base your choice on the way you like a watch to look and feel. People with a smaller wrist may prefer the smaller version and larger wristed people may get on better with the bigger watch. Alternatively, you may like the appearance of a noticeably smaller or larger gadget on your wrist.

Apple Watch 4: Accessories

The Watch 4 is ready to go straight out of the box, but by pairing it with a couple of carefully chosen accessories, you can get even more out of this incredible gadget. The Apple Store has plenty to offer, but many other retailers have launched their own products.

• Zens Apple Watch Powerbank – Available in white or grey, the Zens Apple Watch Powerbank will ensure you don't run out of charge when using the Watch 4 away from home. It's a very compact solution which packs in a total of three watch charge cycles before it needs to be recharged. So that you can keep an eye on its status there are four LED display lights and it comes with a micro USB for powering up.

• Magnetic Charging Dock – Using Apple's Magnetic Charging Dock, you can keep your Watch battery topped up, charging it in a flat or sideways position. In use, it switches the Watch 4 into Nightstand Mode, meaning the alarm clock is still functioning if you wish to use it. The dock is powered through a USB cable.

• Sports Band – As the Watch 4 is water resistant to 50m, it can be used to swim in a pool or the sea. However, as the traditional leather strap cannot be used, a sports band is essential for using it in water. Apple's own version is created in fluoroelastomer so it feels soft against the skin despite being highly durable. To keep the clasp from catching, they have used a pin-and-tuck closure which has a smoother surface.

• Griffin Survivor Tactical Case – This rugged and sporty case is designed to protect the Watch 4 when the wearer is taking part in wet, muddy or rough outdoor activities. It's a highly robust choice and available in colours to suit every user, including coral, black, green, blue and white. The built-in screen guard protects the display from knocks and scratches but allows it to remain responsive to the user's touch.

• Airpods – These wireless headphones have proven to be slightly divisive amongst the Apple community, but they work well with the sporty Watch 4. With no wires to get tangled up in, wearers have more freedom to enjoy their workout and the Pods take less time to stow away when not in use. Stored in a charging case, they are ready to work as soon as you pick them up and connectivity is effortless. You can use Siri to adjust the volume and change song, or even ask for directions if you have taken a wrong turn during a run.

Which Apple Watch Do I Have?

The four generations of Apple Watch are not vastly different in terms of their appearance, but there are ways you can find out which version you own.

Apple has model numbers linked to each of their watches and these can be used to identify the model and series. Start by opening your iPhone and selecting the Apple Watch app. Choose the My Watch tab and go to General, then About. Locate the line called Model Field and there will be a number beginning with M. Click on Model Field and it will refresh to reveal a five-digit number beginning with A. This is the model number, so make a note of it. Next, visit the Apple Watch support page and enter the model number to learn more about your device.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Apple Watch 4

Focussed on the elements which wearers tend to use most, the Apple Watch 4 has better wellness and health features but is still lacking in some areas.

• Pros

  • The display area has been extended, so using the screen is easier

  • Offers a faster and smoother performance than its predecessors

  • The screen looks amazing and features excellent watch animations

  • Despite packing in plenty of cutting edge tech, it remains especially light

  • The battery can keep up with all the new features

• Cons

  • Apple is known for their expensive gadgets and this one is no different

  • Communicating with Siri can be a challenge

  • Lack of a sleep tracking function

  • It is not possible to keep the display switched on

Apple Watch Series 4 vs Series 3

If you are unsure about whether to invest in an Apple Watch 4 or not, you could consider the slightly cheaper Apple Watch 3. Here are some things to consider when comparing the Apple Watch Series 4 and the Series 3.

• Cost – As the Apple Watch 4 is now the brand's flagship model, the price of the Series Three has gone down by a significant amount. If you want to purchase an Apple Watch, but have been put off by the cash outlay, the 3 now presents a more attractive deal.

• Design – A key difference between the 3 and the 4 is the increase in size, the newer device comes in two sizes. These measure either 40mm or 44mm, compared to the 3's two sizes, 38mm or 42mm. The larger size delivers a number of benefits including extended battery life and a bigger screen, but some review writers have been disappointed to lose the smaller 38mm version.

• The Heart Sensor – One of the most popular innovations on the Watch 4 is an electrocardiography (ECG) grade heart monitor. It can measure your heartbeat's electrical activity and let you know about any unusual readings. The findings are stored in your Health app.

• Appearance – On the Watch 4 screen, the old red dot has been replaced by a more understated red ring and the side button has been drawn in, to lay almost flush with the body. To improve audio feedback, the mic has been repositioned and the speaker is twice as loud as that of the Watch 3. The newer watch is also slimmer at 10.7mm compared to 11.4mm previously.

• Performance – With a brand new 64-bit dual-core processor and S4 chip, the Watch 4 is likely to double the performance of its predecessor. Apple has also given the wireless chip an upgrade and the Bluetooth has gone from 4.2 to 5.0. The battery life remains the same, however in the Watch 4 it is powering a new gyroscope and accelerometer, plus it provides fall detection which can call for help automatically.

• Display – In terms of the display, the 3 has a smaller OLED Retina display with 272 x 340 pixels or a larger display with 312 x 390 pixels. In the 4, Apple has bumped this up to a screen with 324 x 394 pixels or a larger screen with 368 x 448 pixels. The enlarged face means more detail is shown and the face designs have grown more complex. You can choose to keep your most used contacts on-screen as images, then just tap one when you want to get in contact.

The right option for you will depend on your main concerns, if you are looking for a smaller and cheaper watch, then the Series 3 is ideal. It has the same watchOS 5 and excellent fitness features, along with a heart monitor. However, the Watch 4 is undeniably a more advanced device. Apple has created a bigger display that's more ergonomic and the health sensors have been improved. If you think you will be comfortable with a larger watch on your wrist and are able to spend the extra cash, then the Apple Watch 4 is a more future-proof investment buy.

Where to Shop for the Apple Watch 4 and When to Buy

You can shop for the Apple Watch 4 in-store or online at Apple, though the BT website and Argos also stock a large collection. Apple occasionally takes part in the Black Friday sales, but other retailers like Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon regular hold events which feature reduced smartwatches. Check for the best deals in the summer or spring sales, or after Christmas in January when many shops are making room for new stock.

Get the Apple Watch 4 For Less at hotukdeals

The Apple Watch Series 4 is the newest and most powerful Apple smartwatch yet, with a host of premium features. The hotukdeals Apple Watch 4 listings is regularly updated with new offers from both online and high street stores as they are launched, so shoppers can find the best deal on a new Apple Watch 4. Check out the hotukdeals listings now for the best Apple Watch discounts and sales!