Watch · Retina & Beyond · 2018
Apple Watch Series 4
The first true Watch redesign: larger curved-corner screens, a 64-bit S4, fall detection, and an electrocardiogram on your wrist that could flag heart-rhythm problems.
First redesign: a bigger edge-to-edge screen, 64-bit chip, and an FDA-cleared ECG.
Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)
Apple Watch Series 4: key facts
When was the Apple Watch Series 4 released?
The Apple Watch Series 4 arrived on September 21, 2018. Apple discontinued it in September 2019.
How much did the Apple Watch Series 4 cost?
The Apple Watch Series 4 launched at $399 in 2018, about $499 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple S4 (64-bit dual-core) at 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, 1.78" LTPO OLED, 448×368 display.
Why does the Apple Watch Series 4 matter?
First redesign: a bigger edge-to-edge screen, 64-bit chip, and an FDA-cleared ECG.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple S4 (64-bit dual-core) · 1 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 1 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB |
| Display | 1.78" LTPO OLED, 448×368 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | Magnetic inductive charging |
| Weight | ~36 g |
| Dimensions | 40 mm or 44 mm case |
| Operating system | watchOS 5 |
| Released | September 21, 2018 |
| Discontinued | September 2019 |
| Launch price | $399 |
How the Apple Watch Series 4 compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 16× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 1 GHz, the clock is roughly 3.2× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 4,100 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $399 in 2018, about $499 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
Its ECG and fall detection turned a gadget into a documented life-saver.
Related Watch models
Open the Apple Watch Series 4 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11