It feels like a lifetime ago, yet also just yesterday. Back in 2018, the tech world was buzzing. People were tired of the same old square block on their wrists. Then, Apple dropped a bomb at the Steve Jobs Theater. The series 4 apple watch release date wasn't just another calendar entry for fanboys; it was the moment the smartwatch actually grew up.
Honestly, if you look at the timeline, the "Gather Round" event on September 12, 2018, changed everything. We saw the iPhone XS, sure. But the Watch stolen the show. Pre-orders kicked off on September 14, and by September 21, 2018, people were finally strapping the redesigned chassis to their wrists.
The Day the Bezel Died
Before the Series 4, the Apple Watch felt a bit cramped. You had these chunky black borders around a tiny rectangular screen. It was fine, but it wasn't sexy.
When the Series 4 hit the shelves, the screen real estate jumped by over 30%. They didn't just make the watch bigger—though they did bump the sizes to 40mm and 44mm—they pushed the glass to the very edge. It was the first time a wearable felt like it was all display.
👉 See also: Boom Overture: Why the New Supersonic Jet Airliner Actually Happens This Time
Why the Design Shift Mattered
- Rounded Corners: The screen finally matched the curve of the case.
- Thinner Profile: Despite more tech, it actually got slightly slimmer than the Series 3.
- The S4 Chip: A 64-bit dual-core processor that made the interface feel buttery smooth.
- Haptic Crown: The Digital Crown started "clicking" back at you.
Basically, Apple stopped trying to make a tiny computer and started making a high-end timepiece. The ceramic and sapphire back became standard across all models, not just the pricey ones. This move improved cellular reception significantly because radio waves could actually pass through the back more easily than through metal.
That ECG Feature Was a Massive Deal
You can't talk about the series 4 apple watch release date without mentioning the health stuff. This was the first consumer device that let you take an electrocardiogram (ECG) right from your wrist.
At the time, the FDA clearance was a huge hurdle. Apple managed to get De Novo classification, which essentially meant they created a new category of medical-grade consumer tech. You’d just place your finger on the Digital Crown, wait 30 seconds, and the watch would tell you if your heart rhythm was normal or showing signs of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).
It sounds standard now. In 2018? It was witchcraft.
🔗 Read more: Finding the Right ERP Icon: Why Your Dashboard Design is Failing Your Users
Fall Detection: The Silent Savior
Then there was Fall Detection. Using a new accelerometer and gyroscope that could measure up to 32 g-forces, the watch could tell if you took a hard spill. If you didn’t move for a minute after the impact, it would automatically call emergency services.
Kinda heavy, right? But for seniors or solo hikers, it was a literal lifesaver. Most people didn't realize that this feature was turned off by default unless you were over 65. You had to go into the settings to toggle it on if you were younger.
The Pricing Reality Check
When the watch finally launched in late September, the price tag raised some eyebrows. The GPS model started at $399, while the cellular version jumped to $499. Compared to the Series 3, which Apple kept in the lineup for a measly $279, it was a premium ask.
But people paid it.
The demand was so high that shipping dates for the 44mm Space Gray models slipped into October almost immediately after pre-orders opened. It was the first time the Apple Watch felt like a "must-have" rather than an "it's cool to have."
What Most People Forget About watchOS 5
The hardware was great, but the software that launched alongside the Series 4 was arguably just as important. We got the Walkie-Talkie app. Remember that? Suddenly everyone was "chirping" each other like it was 2004 again.
We also saw the introduction of automatic workout detection. No more walking for twenty minutes only to realize you forgot to start the timer. The watch would just tap you and ask, "Hey, looks like you're on a walk. Want to record this?"
Hidden Gems in the 2018 Launch:
- Louder Speakers: 50% louder than previous generations, making Siri actually audible.
- Infograph Face: That chaotic watch face with eight complications that everyone either loved or hated.
- W3 Chip: Improved Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for better range with AirPods.
Looking Back from 2026
It is wild to think that the series 4 apple watch release date set the template for almost every watch that followed. Even now, the Series 10 and Ultra models still use the basic design language established by the Series 4.
👉 See also: Minelab Go Find Metal Detector: Why These Foldable Machines Are Actually Worth Your Time
The Series 4 was eventually discontinued on September 10, 2019, to make way for the Series 5 and its always-on display. But for a lot of users, the 4 was the peak. It was the moment the hardware finally caught up to the vision.
If you're looking at a Series 4 today—maybe in a drawer or on a resale site—it's worth noting that it supported updates all the way through watchOS 10. That's a massive lifespan for a wearable.
Next Steps for Your Device:
If you are still rocking a Series 4 or considering buying a used one, check the battery health in the settings immediately. These units are aging, and a battery service from Apple might be necessary to keep it functional through a full day. Also, ensure you have Fall Detection enabled in the SOS settings if you use the watch for outdoor activities, as it remains one of the most reliable safety features ever put in a wearable. Finally, if your watch feels sluggish, a clean factory reset without restoring from a backup can often breathe new life into the S4 chip.