Apple Watch Series 5 Released with Always-On Display, Titanium Case and More

Apple on Tuesday officially unveiled the next generation of its flagship wearable: the Apple Watch Series 5.

While it’s a more muted update than Apple’s other 2019 devices, the Apple Watch Series 5 still features some notable improvements over past devices. Here’s what you should know.

Always-On Display

One of the primary new features of the Apple Watch Series 5 is a new Always-On Retina display. That means the Apple Watch Series 5’s watch face and complications will always be visible — much more like an actual analog watch.

While the display will never turn off, the Apple Watch Series 5 will still feature the same 18-hour battery life of its predecessors thanks to a new combination of hardware and software features.

There’s a new low-temperature polysilicon oxide display that can dynamically refresh from 60Hz to 1Hz and a suite of sensors, including ambient light sensors, power management circuits and low-power display drivers. Apple has also tuned all of its available watch faces, including those in watchOS 6, for the new always-on display.

Compass & Safety

The Apple Watch Series 5 features built-in compass capabilities that leverage data from the revamped Apple Maps app. It’ll display your heading, latitude, longitude, elevation and incline.

To see that data, users will be able to add a new compass complication or see their direction in the new Compass app. Native and third-party apps can also take advantage of this new directional data.

Apple has also updated the safety features of its Watch by introducing expanded international emergency calling for every Cellular-equipped Watch. That means users will be able to contact emergency services when they’re traveling or abroad.

New Case Options

As was expected, the Cupertino tech giant also unveiled new case options and finishes for the Apple Watch Series 5 — including titanium and ceramic Apple Watch models. The titanium models will be available in Brushed Silver and Brushed Space Black, while the ceramic case will be available in white.

Aluminum models, which are now made from 100 percent recycled aluminum, will be available in Silver, Gold and Space gray. Stainless steel models will be available in Gold, Space Black and Polished Silver.

Apple is also introducing new Apple Watch Nike and Hermes models in different case models, including a new Space Black stainless steel model with black leather bands. The end result is the widest assortment of Watch case finishes ever.

Release Date & Other Announcements

Apple Watch Series 5 will start at $399 for GPS models and $499 for GPS + Cellular variants. They’re available to pre-order starting today and will start shipping on Friday, Sept. 20.

Alongside its new Watches, Apple also unveiled new Apple health studies and a Research app, including one focused on hearing health, another focused on women’s health, and a final one focused on cardiovascular health and movement.

It’s also worth noting that Apple is continuing to sell the Apple Watch Series 3 at a new low price of $199 for the GPS model. It appears that the Apple Watch Series 4 has been discontinued.