14 DAY TRIAL // After unveiling the new features of its iOS 12 operating system, Apple announced today the watchOS 5 operating system for Apple Watch devices.
Compared to watchOS 4, which Apple unveiled exactly a year ago, watchOS 5 represents a significant advancement in functionality and performance for Apple Watch devices by introducing new features that help you stay more active and connected than ever.
While it doesn't bring the major redesigned every Apple Watch wearer was expected, watchOS 5 introduces 7-day activity competions so you can compete with your friends and earn new awards, automatic workout detection, workout types for Yoga, Hiking, and Outdoor Run activities.
Another interesting feature added in watchOS 5 is the so-called walkie-talkie, which lets two people communicate with each other through their Apple Watch devices just like they would do with real walkie-talkie devices. watchOS 5 also brings deeped integration for apps.
"We’re thrilled with the positive impact Apple Watch is having on people’s lives," said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. "Apple Watch is helping our customers stay connected, enhance their fitness and, in many cases, detect life-threatening conditions. With the launch of watchOS 5, we’re excited to introduce new activity and communications features that will take the Watch to a whole new level."
Podcasts app is finally available for Apple Watch devices
The Siri watch face received various improvements with support for new shortcuts and the ability to interact with more apps, and watchOS 5 improves the notification system to make it more interactive and add support for viewing web content. Last but not least, the Podcast app is now available for Apple Watch devices.
There are many other new features and enhancements coming to watchOS 5, such as the ability to customize the settings in control center and student ID cards. In celebration of watchOS 5, Apple released today new Pride watch face and bands.
A first beta preview of watchOS 5 will be available for registered developers with a paid and active Apple Developer account to install on their Apple Watch devices dedicated to watchOS app development later today after the keynote presentation. The final release of watchOS 5 is expected to arrive this fall.
