New Apple Watch seeking to become ‘guardian for your health’

Normally, people keep an eye on their watch — Apple’s new smart watch, announced Wednesday, wants to keep an eye on you.

The new Apple Watch Series 4’s health- and fitness-tracking features were displayed front-and-center at the company’s annual product announcement in California.

The gizmo can now perform Electrocardiograms to monitor whether its wearer’s heart is beating correctly and can automatically make emergency calls if the wearer falls down and doesn’t get up after more than a minute.

“Apple Watch has become an intelligent guardian for your health,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.

American Heart Association President Ivor Benjamin called it a “game-changer” when speaking at the product launch.

“This is the first ECG product offered over the counter directly to consumers,” said COO Jeff Williams, noting the watch also got first-of-its kind FDA clearance.

The Series 4 can share heart-rhythm data — which is kept encrypted in the cloud — with physicians, he added.

The news comes on top of nuts-and-bolts announcements about a larger screen, improved user interface and a new operating system.

It will retain its 18-hour battery life despite having to power a larger screen and new bells and whistles, Williams said.

“You’ll see more in maps, and photos and calendar,” Williams said of new larger screens, which will grow from 38 mm and 42 mm to 40 mm and 44 mm.

A back composed of ceramic and crystal improves cell reception, he said.

The Series 4 will come in silver, gold and space gray, as well as two polished stainless steel varieties. Older-generation watch bands will be compatible despite the new face redesign, Williams said.

The basic model will run $399, while a cellular-compatible version will cost $499 — both will be available Sept. 21. Apple is also dropping the price of Series 3 watches to $279 immediately.