http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-watch-series-4-rumors-features-specs-release-date-2018-4

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A major update to the Apple Watch might be coming later this year — here’s what we’re expecting

Apple Watch Series 3AP

Major changes may be coming to the Apple Watch.Apple will almost definitely be releasing a new Apple Watch this fall, the fifth in its line of best-selling smartwatches.

And while we don’t know anything for sure about the upcoming watch, reliable sources have provided their best guesses about what’s to come — namely, a new design, better battery life, and improved health tracking.

Apple is already crushing the competition, both in the smartwatch category and the watch category as a whole. A recent estimate suggested that Apple outsold the entire Swiss watch industry combined— Rolex, Omega, and even Swatch — in the final quarter of 2017.

Those sales are expected to increase in 2018. KGI predicts that Apple will sell between 22 million and 24 million Apple Watches this year, which is roughly a 30% increase year-over-year. If the rumors surrounding the upcoming watch are to be believed, it’s easy to see why analysts expect such a surge in sales.

Here’s everything we expect from the Apple Watch Series 4:

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The Apple Watch Series 4 will come out in September along with new iPhones.

The Apple Watch Series 4 will come out in September along with new iPhones.Justin Sullivan/Getty

If Apple’s past launches are any indication, the company will unveil the Apple Watch software — WatchOS 5 — at its developer’s conference in June as it has in past years.

Apple Watch Series 4 will likely be unveiled in September at the iPhone launch event, just like Apple has in past years. With the exception of the first-ever Apple Watch from April 2015, the Apple Watch Series 1, Apple Watch Series 2, and Apple Watch Series 3 were all introduced in September.

KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a long track record of accurately predicting Apple product news, said Apple would release the Apple Watch Series 4 in the third quarter of 2018.

The Apple Watch Series 4’s overall design will change.

The Apple Watch Series 4's overall design will change.Justin Sullivan/Getty

According to 9to5Mac, Kuo predicts the new Apple Watch will have a “more trendy form factor design.”

Whether that means a total design overhaul or subtle updates, it seems as though changes are finally being made to the Apple Watch’s design. The watch hasn’t seen a major design change since its launch, so an update is long overdue.

Apple filed patents last year that hint they’re at least considering a round watch face. That said, it’s more likely Apple will stick with its signature rectangular design.

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