Apple Watch Series 5

Get plenty of amazing features, from heart rate sensor to an always-on Retina display, with the Apple Watch Series 5.

What are the key features of the Apple Watch Series 5?

The Apple Watch Series 5, launched in 2019 and compatible with iPhone 6s or later, is the first to feature an always-on Retina OLED display that automatically lights up the screen when you turn your wrist up then dims when your wrist turns down to conserve battery life.

Available with GPS and a cellular connectivity version, and in aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium, the Watch adds features like menstrual cycle tracking, the noise app to help you understand ambient sound levels in loud environments like concerts and sporting events, a 50% louder speaker and built-in mic, compass, and an all-day 18-hour battery life.

It includes all the core features of an Apple Watch, including the digital Crown with haptic feedback, activity rings, sleep tracking, 50 metre water resistance, and ECG app with high and low and irregular heart notifications.

How does the Apple Watch Series 5 compare to other generation Apple Watches?

The Apple Watch Series 5 has a speaker that is 50% louder than the Series 4 along with international emergency calling and double the storage at 32GB, the same as the newest models, so you can store Apple Music playlists, download plenty of apps to the device, and more.

While the newest Apple Watches boast the S6 and S7 SiP (System in Package) computer, the Apple Watch Series 5 offers the S5 SiP along with the same W3 chip and 64-bit dual-core processor, making it a stellar watch that can keep up with your daily life. The Series 6 and above watches add a UI (ultra-wideband) chip, blood oxygen sensor, and third-gen optical heart sensor, while the Series 7 is dustproof and boasts the most crack-resistant crystal screen to date along with faster charging (though the same rated battery life).

The Series 5 Watch comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes while the newer versions come with 41 and 45mm cases with 50% more screen area than the Series 3 (the Series 5 offers 30% more screen area than that model).

Choosing the right Apple Watch Series 5

While the newer Apple Watches boast some upgrades, the Apple Watch 5 is still compatible with the latest Apple WatchOS software. And there are refurbished and open box models available at a discounted rate so you can get a premium Apple Watch for less.

Choose between the 40 or 44mm case and select from a wide variety of colours and materials, whether you want to stick with basic stainless steel or opt for something more elegant like titanium. As with any Apple Watch, there's also a multitude of optional band designs to choose from as well as customizable watch faces to make the Watch your own.

In order to leave your phone at home or in the gym locker and still be able to get messages and notifications, opt for the version with Cellular connectivity (service plan required). But with 32GB storage on the Watch, you can download Apple Music playlists for offline listening as you exercise, go for a walk or run, or enjoy a relaxing lunch break.