Apple Debuts Apple Watch Series 5 – Always On Display, Built-In Compass, More

Apple today unveiled the Apple Watch Series 5, the latest entry in their Apple Watch wearables lineup. The new Watch offers an Always-On Retina display, new location features including a built-in compass and current elevation, and international emergency calling.

The Apple Watch Series 5 is available in a wider range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic and an all-new titanium.

Starting today, 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 beginning Friday, September 20.

The new Watch offers a new display that allows the time and important information to remain visible at all times. Apple says each watch face has been carefully optimized for the new display and to preserve battery life. The screen dims when the user’s wrist is in a down position, and returns to full brightness when the user raises their wrist or taps the display.

The industry’s only low-temperature polysilicone and oxide display (LTPO), ultra-low power display driver, efficient power management integrated circuit and new ambient light sensor all combine to offer an 18-hour battery life.

The Watch boasts a new built-in compass and updated Maps app allow users to see which way they are facing. Users will now be able to use the new Compass app to see heading, incline, latitude, longitude and current elevation.

Users with cellular models of Apple Watch Series 5 can now complete international calls to emergency services, regardless of where the device was originally purchased or if the cellular plan has been activated. The new feature works alongside fall detection and if enabled automatically places an emergency call if the Watch senses the user has taken a hard fall and remains motionless for around a minute.

Apple Watch customers will now enjoy a more personalized buying experience when buying an Apple Watch Series 5 in an Apple Store, from Apple.com, or in the Apple Store app. The new Apple Watch Studio offers customers the ability to pick their preferred case and band combination.

Apple Watch Nike features a new watch face inspired by the classic Nike Windrunner jacket design, accompanied by new colors of the Nike Sport Band and reflective Nike Sport Loop. Apple Watch Hermès introduces several new styles, including an update to last fall’s popular color block band, now in a new Della Cavalleria print, and an all-black version with an exclusive Hermès gradient watch face.

Pricing and Availability

Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) starts at $399 (US) and Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) starts at $499. The popular 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.

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