The rumors are rife that Apple is about to drop its next generation smartwatch later this year. According to the latest report, the Apple Watch Series 4 will borrow an advanced biometric feature from Apple's current flagship handset, the iPhone X. Moreover, the wearable is expected to boast improved health and fitness tracking features.

The latest patent filing unearthed by Patently Apple suggests that the Apple Watch Series 4 could have a Face ID authentication system, although it should be expected that the smartwatch will not exactly have the same 3D facial recognition technology as the iPhone X. It seems unlikely that a small device like the Apple Watch could include the infrared 3D facial mapping sensors of the iPhone X, so the Cupertino-based tech firm might opt to introduce a simpler front-facing camera to do the job.

It is rumored that the Apple Watch Series 4 will be the first step in formally incorporating the 3D facial recognition technology to the Apple Watch collection. From the basic 2D facial unlock feature of the upcoming Apple Watch model, the device can further improve until it finally reaches a more high-end form of facial scanning. Even though it will not be the same Face ID as the iPhone X, the Apple Watch Series 4 could still have similar features such as revealing notifications and screen unlock. There is a possibility that the smartwatch could finally allow video calls without having it linked to a nearby iPhone.

Meanwhile, 9to5Mac reported KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's prediction about the Apple Watch Series 4, in which Kuo states that the smartwatch will have a new and improved form factor design. A "trendy form factor" does not specifically describe what the next-gen smartwatch could look like, although it is likely that the new Apple Watch will have a more rounded shape and an increased screen size. 

With regards to the release date, it is expected that the Apple Watch Series 4 will be launched alongside the new iPhone 2018 models at the next Apple hardware event this September. To note, the second and third generation of the Apple Watch were all unveiled during the month of September.