Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 5. Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) is available to order in 41 countries and regions and Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) is available to order in 22 countries and regions. Both models will be available in stores starting on Friday, September 20, 2019.
Apple Watch Series 5 has an Always-On Retina display that never sleeps. It makes it easy for people to see the time and other information without raising or tapping the display. Apple says the watch face has been carefully optimized for the new display and to preserve battery life, the screen intelligently dims when a user’s wrist is down and returns to full brightness with a raise or a tap. The Apple Watch Series 5 offers “all-day 18-hour battery life”.
It also has a built-in compass and updated Maps app to allow users to see which way they are facing. The new Compass app shows incline, latitude, longitude and current elevation. I can see where this could be useful for people who are traveling or sightseeing.
One of the most useful features, in my opinion, is International Emergency Calling. Users with cellular models of Apple Watch Series 5 can complete international calls to emergency services, regardless of where the device was originally purchased or if the cellular plan has been activated. It works with fail detection, if enabled, to automatically place an emergency call if Apple Watch senses the user has taken a hard fall and remains motionless for about a minute.
Another useful feature will come with watchOS 6, (which will be available for Apple Watch Series 3 and later on September 19, and on Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 later this fall), is a Cycle Tracker. It gives customers the ability to log important information related to their menstrual cycles, see predicted timing for their next period and fertile windows using the convenience of Apple Watch. I’m hoping Apple makes this information extremely private, because some people who menstruate could be put in danger if their data was revealed.
There is also a Noise app that helps users understand the ambient sound levels in environments such as concerts and sporting events that could negatively impact hearing. I don’t think most people fully understand how loud those events can be until they are walking out after it is over with ringing ears. Perhaps this app can help save people’s hearing by pointing out the dangerously loud noise.
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) starts at $399 (US) and Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) starts at $499. The Series 3 (GPS) with built-in GPS, optical heart rate sensor and water resistance starts at a new low price of $199 and Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) is $299.