Here’s a look at what’s new in watchOS 5. This is the new version of Apple Watch software coming to most Apple Watches next week. Here’s a rundown of the most exciting new Apple Watch features. This greatly expands what the Apple Watch can do.
Apple announced watchOS 5 alongside iOS 12 and macOS Mojave at WWDC. It ships with Apple Watch 4 coming September 21, and you can install watchOS 5 on your Series 1 or newer Apple Watch starting September 17.
This is the first Apple Watch update that won’t come to all devices. The first generation Apple Watch does not run watchOS 5. If you like these new features, you should consider upgrading to the Apple Watch 4.
Here’s a look at the new Apple Watch upgrades coming to your wrist with watchOS 5.
Smarter Siri on Apple Watch
Enjoy an upgraded Siri watch face in watchOS 5.
With watchOS 5, you no longer have to say Hey to use Siri. Just raise your wrist and say Siri’s name. This makes Siri on the go easier and more natural.
Apple also upgrades the Siri watch face. It now uses machine learning to better know what you need at the right time. It could be a playlist, or it could be one of the new Siri Shortcuts you can make in iOS 12.
The watch face also receives information from other apps, so you see more of the Apple information you’re used to in watchOS 4.
Apple Watch Handheld Radio
The new Walkie Talkie feature lets you have quick bits of conversation with other Apple Watch users without having to have a full, real-time conversation. Voice iMessages and it’s like Apple is calling this Walkie-Talkie.
They offer this as a handy way to connect with people at a concert, on a trip, or when you want to talk instead of typing, but you don’t have the full conversation that both of you need to be up for the entire time.
This is a feature we’re looking forward to testing, and we may find it useful when trying to find someone at a show or conference.
Event Competitions
Compete with your friends on watchOS 5.
If you share your activity with other Apple Watch users, you can now set up Activity Challenges. This lets you notify your friends with a 7-day challenge to close your rings.
You will receive alerts to help you stay on task and coach, so you know what you need to do to move forward. At any point during the competition, you can see who is ahead of the clock.
New Exercise Tracker
Follow many new workouts in watchOS 5.
Apple is making big strides in exercise tracking in watchOS 5, with new workouts and improvements to existing workouts designed to appeal to more serious runners.
If your Apple Watch detects that a workout is in motion, it will automatically track it. The watch then prompts you to start the workout and lets you progress based on the move you complete.
There’s a new Yoga workout mode to help you track calorie burn and other metrics. A new Hiking workout tracks altitude as you walk, and you get better calorie tracking for going uphill in watchOS 5.
For strong runners you will now see your Speed and how far you are from it. You will also see a rolling mile speed and your Cadence so you can run at your best efficiency.
Podcasts on your Apple Watch
Listen to podcasts directly on your Apple Watch.
Apple is finally adding the Podcasts app to the Apple Watch, so you can listen to your favorite podcasts right from your watch without your phone. Podcasts sync automatically so your episodes are ready when you’re ready to listen. You can use Siri to search for new shows and start streaming them directly from Apple Watch.
Better Apple Watch Notifications
Apple upgrades Apple Watch notifications in watchOS 5 so you can do more with a notification. For example, a notification about a flight allows you to check-in directly from your watch.
Notifications for an app are also grouped so you can see more information without swiping and swiping.
A great option is to view web content on your Apple Watch. If someone sends you a link, you can tap the link instead of picking up your phone and see a small Apple Watch-optimized version.
Better notifications and improved Do Not Disturb are part of watchOS 5.
Advanced Do Not Disturb for Apple Watch
Apple is making Do Not Disturb a bigger part of watchOS and iOS 12. You can now set Do Not Disturb on your Apple Watch for a specific time, until a time change (like this evening or this afternoon), or when you leave a location. .
This is a huge advantage as I occasionally get a lot of alerts on my Apple Watch despite my segregated notifications. Hopefully this also brings Do Not Disturb for messages sent to the Apple Watch. This feature does not work in watchOS 4.
Student ID on your Apple Watch
Carry your Student ID on your Apple Watch.
Apple supports Student ID cards on Apple Watch as part of Wallet. This spans several universities and will allow you to enter the dormitory, gym, library and campus buildings on the watch. Some schools also let you pay for snacks, do the laundry or use their food service.
This starts at the University of Alabama, Duke, Johns Hopkins University, University of Oklahoma, Santa Clara University, and Temple University.
