![\"coros](\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.gearjunkie.com\/uploads\/2025\/10\/coros-apex-4.jpg\")
<\/a>(Photos\/Coros)<\/p>\nApex 4 vs. Apex 2<\/p>\n
Longtime Coros loyalists may recognize that the brand has skipped a number in its Apex line. Why no Apex 3? Apparently, it\u2019s because the Pace series (the brand\u2019s running-focused line) is already on its fourth generation, and Coros wanted to keep the numbers consistent across its four main watch lines. <\/p>\n
Unlike the Apex 2, there\u2019s also no \u201cpro version\u201d of the Apex 4. However, the new watch does come in two sizes (46mm and 42mm). Both sizes have all the same internal features. The only differences between them are battery life, weight, and the price tag. <\/p>\n
Primary Changes From Apex 2<\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with some of the more obvious upgrades of the Apex 4 from its previous model. Those include an improved processor for better mapping, and a polymer backing to lower its weight (and possibly make it more comfortable than wearing stainless steel or titanium against the skin).<\/p>\n Here are some other highlights:<\/p>\n The Dial: Unlike the buttons favored by Garmin smartwatches, Coros has kept its dial for in-screen navigation. However, its location has been moved slightly from the center of the side to a top diagonal position. This should avoid accidental presses and make it less likely to catch on clothing.<\/p>\n Reinforced Lugs: The Apex 4 also comes with reinforced lugs for extra durability where the watch connects to the bands. It also results in a slightly sharper aesthetic compared to the Apex 2.<\/p>\n In-Watch Speaker: For the first time, there\u2019s a speaker in a Coros watch! It\u2019s supposedly loud enough to hear even on a windy hill, allowing users to take phone calls (as long as their phone is already Bluetoothed to the watch). Eventually, the speaker will allow for back-and-forth vocal communications between the watch and user. But again, that only becomes available after forthcoming software updates.<\/p>\n Climbing Features<\/p>\n Like its predecessor and most Coros watches, the Apex 4 has tons of different modes for activities, including running, cycling, snowboarding, etc. But it\u2019s the climbing modes we\u2019ll focus on here. In addition to the automatic route detection described above, the Apex 4 will have four different climbing modes. Those include:<\/p>\n Outdoor Climb: Designed for climbing outside and tracks approach, total pitches, and descent to capture a full experience of the day<\/p>\n Indoor Climb: Tracks indoor roped climbing routes with auto pitch count<\/p>\n Bouldering: Tracks bouldering utilizing the v-scale<\/p>\n Mountain Climb: Tracks mountaineering objectives<\/p>\n The latter three modes are already available and ready to go on the Apex 4, while the Outdoor Climb Mode will also become fully operational with the firmware updates planned for sometime in late October or early November, according to Coros.<\/p>\n Battery Life & Other Features<\/p>\n Battery life is, of course, a main concern for a smartwatch meant to be used in the wild for long periods of time. With the Apex 4 \u2014 as well as other new watches in the brand\u2019s lineup \u2014 there are now more options for GPS modes. <\/p>\n These various modes change the degree of GPS functionality depending on the battery life desired by the user. Endurance GPS Mode relies on only the strongest satellite signals to preserve as much battery life as possible (65 hours for the 46mm version). <\/p>\n There\u2019s also High GPS Mode, which checks all satellite systems at every moment of an activity (53 hours), and Max GPS Mode (41 hours), which is essentially the Dual Frequency GPS mode on previous models.<\/p>\n The watch also comes with durable sapphire glass, and a MIP screen that supposedly has a greater contrast (aka visual clarity) compared to past models. Also, the bezel is made from Grade 5 titanium alloy.<\/p>\n Coros Apex 4: Pricing & Availability<\/p>\n<\/a>Kilian Jornet even tested the new Apex 4 during his States of Elevation project this year; (photo\/Coros)<\/p>\n<\/a>(Photo\/Coros)<\/p>\n<\/a>(Photo\/Coros)<\/p>\n