Apple Watch 5: Release Date & Advanced Features

Expected date: 10 September 2019

Apple typically holds its iPhone launch event in September of every year and the next iteration of the Watch is normally announced at the same time. This launch event normally takes place in the second week of September on a Tuesday. We’re therefore placing our money on 10 September 2019, though we expect nothing to be confirmed until later this month – August 2019.

The Series 4 was pricier than its predecessor at $399 for the non-LTE version (verses $349 for the Apple Watch Series 3 with GPS), because of its electrical heart rate sensor and advanced heart health features. Depending on what sensors Apple chooses to add to the Series 5, it could be even more expensive. The cellular model will likely command a $100 premium over the GPS version, as with the third and fourth generations.

What we want and expect to see in Apple Watch 5:

Here’s everything we’ve heard so far about the Apple Watch Series 5, coupled with what we want and expect to see.

Built-in Sleep Tracking:

The Apple Watch is known for health and fitness-tracking, but there’s a key piece missing: The watch has no built-in app for logging your sleep, which is an important factor when it comes to evaluating your overall health. The watchOS App Store does feature some third-party sleep-tracking apps, but we’re curious to see how Apple would tackle this.

According to rumors, Apple is working on a sleep-tracking feature for the watch, although it may not be ready for primetime until 2020. Sleep-tracking would also require longer battery life — the Apple Watch Series 4 currently lasts about 18-24 hours on a charge. A useful sleep feature would need the heart rate sensor to detect sleep stages, which would drain the battery. If Apple can’t extend battery life in the Series 5, it’s likely that we won’t see the feature until next year.

New health features:

Apple filed a manifest for a sensor that can monitor what’s in the air. Uncovered by Cult of Mac, this sensor could be used to track such things as your body odor, air quality, and more. You could finally know for sure if you have bad breath, but it could also be used by diabetics to detect low blood sugar levels.

Upgraded design:

The Apple Watch has looked the same (mostly) since its launch, with a square face and rounded corners that some people love and others hate. And while we don’t think Apple will completely refurbishment the Series 5’s design,

The $1,299 Apple Watch Edition came in a beautiful white ceramic, but Apple phased out that premium model when the Series 4 launched in fall 2018. Aside from its looks, ceramic is a tougher material than aluminium and more resistant to scratches.

Better OLED display:

Unlike the iPhone, the Apple Watch has sported an OLED display from day one. Apple has relied on LG to make its watch panels, but rumour has it the company is turning to Japan Display for the Series 5’s OLED screens.

This is a big deal, because Japan Display hasn’t made OLED panels before — the company was Apple’s LCD screens, but those have fallen by the wayside. It’s unclear how that decision will affect the Series 5, or if buyers will even notice a change, but a new supplier could signal a fresh look for the new smartwatch.

Apple Watch Camera:

Apple has filed a patent that recommends the company has discovered ways to add positionable cameras to the Apple Watch. The concept is an Apple Watch band with a camera embedded into the end of the strap. This would allow the watch to take photos and video, with the Apple Watch’s main display acting as the viewfinder.

According to the patent, the lens can rotate on the band, and “allow the smartwatch to capture images and video at angles and orientations that do not depend directly on the angle and orientation of the rest of the smartwatch.” However, there’s no surety whether Apple wants to use this feature on an upcoming Apple Watch.