Apple Watch Series 5 may land on September 10th, here’s all you need to know
Code in the latest iOS 13 beta suggests new iPhones are set to launch on Tuesday, September 10th. It is very likely the Apple Watch Series 5 will get an official reveal on the same day.
The Cupertino outfit released the seventh beta to developers earlier this week. Keen-eyed observers quickly noticed an asset in the code which shows an iOS screenshot with the above date on the system home screen. This asset is named “HoldForRelease.”
Last year these images showed the date September 12 – when the iPhone XS was announced. The press invites should probably go out later this month, so it maybe be a couple of more weeks before we find out for sure.
Along with three new iPhone 11 models we are expecting the launch of Apple Watch Series 5. As always, the device is expected to bring solid improvements over its predecessor. Nothing has officially been confirmed yet but the rumour mill is working.
Last year brought a larger screen, ECG sensors, fall detection, performance upgrades and more. The most innovative of the lot is the FDA-approved ECG sensor. This provides a full report that lets you know if your heart rhythm is normal or there are issues.
What to expect from Series 5
Unlike the previous years, there’ve been few leaks on the next generation watch. We did hear that sleep tracking is coming but Bloomberg says not until 2020.
The company will probably be looking to Japan Display to make OLED panels for the Series 5. However, that is not really a change anyone will notice in the end-product.
A recent rumour is that the LED screen might be replaced with a microLED screen, but again probably in 2020. Unfortunately this still does not give hopes of an always-on experience. That might be a few years off.
There are other solutions the company could opt for. For example, we recently reviewed the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 4G which comes with a duel-layer display. This consists of a transparent FSTN LCD screen that sits on top of the watch’s main OLED and switches on when you’re not interacting with the device. It’s a clever solution that does not eat up into battery life.
Earlier today, Brazilian site iHelpBR (via 9to5Mac) spotted evidence in iOS 13 beta 7 the Apple Watch will come in ceramic and titanium options. The company has sold ceramic watches in the past but titanium is a first. This is a very lightweight but durable material that provides a premium feel. It also comes at a premium price!
Any improvement to battery life would, of course, be nice. A microLED display would help with this.
An upgraded processor is a given. Apple has done this every year.
A PulseOx sensor is a realistic possibility considering there are a number of companies that are successfully utilising the technology. For example, Garmin has integrated it in a number of watches and the Vivosmart 4 fitness tracker. It monitors your blood oxygen levels during the night and allows for on-demand readings during the day. Despite rumours, native glucose monitoring is unlikely to happen in the near future.
If the last few years are anything to judge by we are sure there will be some other upgrades. But all things considered, it looks like it will be an evolutionary upgrade this year, so probably nothing radical.
Of course, we can also expect the next iteration of WatchOS. Version 6 will bring a stand-alone app store, new health and fitness functionality, apps, complications and watch faces. This in itself will make the Apple Watch a more useful device. The new software will be available for older models, too.
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