Apple just dropped the latest iteration of the most
popular watch in the world. So you could say that a new release is kind of
importnt. This new Series 5 keeps everything that made its predecessor so
desirable, including interesting features like the ECG sensor, while bringing a
few new features of its own.
Thanks to a new and industry-first LTPO Retina
display and a few extra goodies under the hood, like a new ambient light
sensor, ICs and fancy power management, the Apple Watch finally has enough
power to enable Always-On operation.
It works in the familiar way - when not actively in
use, or in other words, facing the user, watch faces get dimmed, less detailed
and dynamic and refresh less often. Apple's new display even manages its
refresh rate in accordance so no unnecessary battery is wasted on display
refresh cycles. Workout metrics get an Always-On mode as well, meaning they can
remain visible on your watch face even while it is in its low-power state.
Well, 18 hours, to be precise, which is kind of
all-day, we guess. But on the plus side, that is with Always-On display turned
on. Presumably, the number can be bumped-up higher if you opt-out of the fancy
new AoD. GPS is not a novelty of Apple Watch, but, a dedicated compass hasn’t
really been a thing up until now. The new positioning chip can provide heading
information as well as latitude, longitude and current elevation. Apple is
putting it to work with a new Watch Maps app that now allows you to see which
way you are facing. There is also a compass complication for your watch face.
Also, the compass will be open to third-party apps as well so developers can
incorporate it into other experiences as well.
Pretty straight-forward, yet pretty nifty. Joining
the ranks of other heath features, like early warnings based on ECG readings
and fall detection, is the ability to make an emergency call on any cellular
Apple Watch around the world. Of course, no Apple Watch launch would be complete without some new
style variants. Despite mostly retaining its design all the way from the
original Apple Watch, this new Series 5 still manages to offer fresh new
flavors.
A major novelty for the Series 5 is Apple Watch
Studio. Available both in store and online, it is a mix and match system
allowing you to match any casing with any band you wish. Meaning that with
Series 5 you are no longer limited to the combinations Apple pre-selects.
Also Series 5 also brings is a new material option
for the shell - titanium. It is lighter than stainless steel while also
maintaining great strength and rigidity. It comes in two brushed finishes - one
sporting the natural silver color of titanium and the other - space black.
Stainless steel variants remain on offer, in gold,
silver and space black. So do aluminum in silver, gold and space gray. And if
you opt for an aluminum one, you will be pleased to know that the Series 5 is
now made from 100% recycled 7000 series aluminum.
The Nike Line gets new additions as well, including
colors for the Nike Sport Band and reflective Nike Sport Loop. Last, but not
least, Hermes is introducing another version it its popular color block band
with a new Della Cavalleria print, and an all-black version. Fresh Nike and
Hermes watch faces are incoming as well.
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) starts at US$ 399 and Apple
Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) starts at US$ 499. Both models can be ordered
right now from apple.com and will be available in stores starting September 20
in the US and 38 other countries and regions for the GPS-only version. The GPS
+ Cellular model is limited the US and 20 other countries and regions.
The new Apple Watch Hermès and new Apple Watch bands
are also available online today and coming to stores on September 20. The Nike
Watch will be a bit tardy and should come to stores on October 4. While the Series 4 gets
discontinued, the Apple Watch Series 3 remain in Apple's lineup as well, now
with a new price. WatchOS 6 coming is coming to those two on September 19.
Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 should get the update later this fall.
