Apple today took the Apple Watch to the next level with the unveiling of the Apple Watch Series 5. The next-generation Apple Watch. Bringing an always-on display, a built-in compass, watchOS 6, and more. In several finishes including for the first time titanium, aluminium and stainless steel. Plus the return of the highly scratch-resistant finish – ceramic.
Apple Watch Series 5 is available for order starting today from a recommended retail price (RRP) of A$649. With availability starting from next week – September 20th, 2019.
Always-on Retina Display
Always-on Retina Display is a significant new technology that comes to Apple Watch first with Series 5. Time and other important information of the watch face will now always be displayed, even when the wearer is not looking.
When the wearer lowers their wrist the display will dim, but if they raise their wrist or tap the display it will return to full brightness. Apple has confirmed the all-day 18-hour battery life remains as is, despite the new feature.
New Finish
Another new addition arriving with the Series 5 is titanium finishes, the same material Apple has used in Apple Card. Titanium is a finish that is commonly used in watchmaking. Because it has a “superb” strength-to-weight ratio, yet is much lighter than stainless steel.
Two titanium brushed finishes are available. Natural titanium and space black titanium. Other finishes of the Series 5 include aluminium made from 100% recycled 7000 Series aluminium. As well as the classic stainless steel finishes in many colours. But making a return – Ceramic. A material that is extremely scratch-resistant and is known for its beautiful white finish.
Better Navigation
A built-in compass and updated Apple Maps app help bring new navigation features to the watch. The wearer will now know exactly where they are heading with latitude, longitude, and current elevation all displaying.
watchOS 6
Many other new features will be arriving with watchOS 6, a free software update announced back in June. It brings cycle tracking, a new noise app, Activity Trents, and much more to the Series 5 and previous generation Apple Watch models. More information on watchOS 6 can be read here.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 5 range is available in two case sizes and connectivity options, four different finishes, and a large number of watch bands. Therefore, pricing does vary between configurations. In Australia, pricing starts at a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of A$649 for a Series 5 configured with an aluminium 40-mm case size and GPS connectivity. While the same configuration in a 44-mm case size starts at A$699.
All configurations can be viewed from Apple’s online store. And for the first time, Apple is allowing everyone to configure the exact model they want with a feature called Apple Watch Studio. Allowing you to choose any Watch case, finish, and Watch band – then purchase it online for free, fast delivery or in-store pickup.
All orders from Apple and Apple’s online store includes free delivery or in-store pickup. As well as 14-day free returns – allowing you to return the watch. Apple Watch Series 5 is available to order today, with availability beginning Friday, 20 September. Apple Watch Nike can also be ordered, but will be available later from October 4th.
