Internet Enabled Consumer Devices

Teardown: Apple Watch Series 4

22 February 2019
The following is an overview of a teardown analysis conducted by IHS Benchmarking.

Introduced at the keynote in September 2018, the Apple Watch Series 4 features the largest display in the history of the device. It also includes an electrical heart sensor designed as a proactive health monitor, built-in cellular connectivity and automatic workout detection.

The following is an overview of a teardown analysis conducted by IHS Technology Teardown Services.

Apple Watch Series 4, main enclosure. Source: IHS MarkitApple Watch Series 4, main enclosure. Source: IHS Markit

Summary points:

  • Apple S4 apps processor, dual core 64 bit
  • Cellular service available, Intel baseband processor
  • 1.57 in P-OLED w/GF2 touchscreen and force touch
  • Built-in GPS, 50 m waterproof

Apple Watch Series 4, PCB A bottom. Source: IHS MarkitApple Watch Series 4, PCB A bottom. Source: IHS Markit

Apple Watch Series 4, heart rate sensor top. Source: IHS MarkitApple Watch Series 4, heart rate sensor top. Source: IHS Markit

Target market: Mass market

Released: Sept. 2018

Pricing: MSRP $499

Availability: Worldwide

Total manufacturing cost: $109.79 (including direct materials and manufacturing)

Major components:

  • 1.57 in diagonal, P-OLED, LTPO, 394 x 324, N/T, 1g — MFR: LG Display Co LTD — (Qty: 1)
  • MCP, 16GB NAND + LPDDR — MFR: SK HYNIX INC — (Qty: 1)
  • Enclosure, main, midframe, die-cast aluminum alloy, machined, anodized, w/ 12 metal tabs, printed — (Qty: 1)
  • Apps processor, dual core 64 bit CPU — MFR: Apple Inc — (Qty: 1)
  • Baseband processor, multi-mode, UMTS/LTE, with integrated RF transceiver and power management IC, with integrated memory — MFR: Intel Corp — (Qty: 1)
  • Magnetic charging cable, USB type A to magnetic charging base — (Qty: 1)
  • 1.57 in diagonal, GF2 type, direct bonding, with Corning ION-X cover glass, with integral flex PCB, with OCA — (Qty: 1)
  • Transmit module, PAM, multi-mode, multi-band, contains Skyworks RF switches and analog ICs, with duplexers and SAW filter — MFR: Skyworks Solutions Inc — (Qty: 1)
  • ASIC — MFR: Broadcom Corp — MPN: BCM15922 — (Qty: 1)
  • Transmit module, PAM, multi-mode, multi-band, contains three RF switches and two PAs and three analog ICs, with duplexers and BAW filters — MFR: Broadcom LTD — MPN: AFEM-8086 — (Qty: 1)

[Click to enlarge] Apple Watch Series 4, main PCB bottom. Source: IHS Markit[Click to enlarge] Apple Watch Series 4, main PCB bottom. Source: IHS Markit

To contact the author of this article, email GlobalSpecEditors@globalspec.com


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