Apple just unveiled its third-generation smartwatch this year, but there are now talks about its next iteration, the Apple Watch Series 4. The current smartwear model includes features that can make it function as a standalone device without pairing it to an iPhone. As for the 2018 refresh, the Apple Watch Series 4 is expected to bring a significant boost in LTE connectivity.
One of the highlights of Apple Watch Series 3 is the LTE support, allowing users to connect their wearables to the internet without requiring a paired device's network connection.The current Apple Watch can now be used to send and receive messages, voice calls, and e-mails. The LTE connectivity also allows users to stream music and videos on the internet, even as its supposed iPhone partner is away. Still, the Apple Watch Series 3 has room to improve, which is to make the LTE connection more stable.
With the early reports of unreliable LTE connectivity, Apple has provided the necessary fix for the smartwear. In the case of the Apple Watch Series 4, the Cupertino-based tech giant is rumored to incorporate a new circuit board technology, preventing the same LTE issues in the current model from happening. As reported by 9to5Mac, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kio targets to develop a "faster and more versatile" circuit boards for the company's 2018 hardware, including the Apple Watches and MacBooks.
Kuo stated in his notes to investors that the Apple Watch Series 4 will include a similar circuit board technology used in the current iPhone 8 and iPhone X handsets. Specifically, these circuit boards are composed of liquid crystal polymer, making it more flexible than the older versions. The flexible circuit board is presently being used in the TrueDepth camera feature of the iPhone X, as well as in the antenna designs of Apple's 2017 flagship smartphones.
The new circuit board technology in question, referred to as the LCP FPCB, has been getting high praises due to its low-latency quality and fast data transfer. Thanks to its liquid polymer characteristics, the circuit board has high resistance to heat and moisture, which make it the perfect choice for the Apple Watch Series 4. Aside from making the smartwear more capable to survive outdoor conditions, the LCP FPCB is seen as a great booster for the LTE connectivity in the next Apple Watch.
According to MacWorld, it is possible that the Apple Watch Series 4 will arrive by autumn 2018, given the previous release dates of the older Apple Watch generations falling in September. Aside from the fourth-gen smartwatch, it is also speculated that Apple will introduce a semi-updated wearable, the Apple Watch Series 3S. The device will not boast much improvement from the original Apple Watch Series 3, except for the possible additional storage.
