The rumours around Apple’s annual September keynote focus mainly on the arrival of the next iPhone but that’s not the only product which gets an upgrade.
The Apple Watch usually receives a boost at the event too, which heralds in a new Watch design and exciting new features for the world’s top wearable.
So what’s going to change with this year’s Apple Watch 5 release? Here’s all the rumours about the new wearable so far.
Apple Watch 5: Design
The next Apple Watch launch could see some changes to the design of the watch’s body. According to iHelp BR, the device’s new software beta includes references to ceramic and titanium watch models. Apple has released a ceramic version of the Watch before, notably skipping it for the Watch 4 release, however, this would be the first time the company released a titanium version.
Size-wise, both watch models will come in 40mm and 44mm versions.
Hopefully, the new design models could lead to a thinner version of the Watch. Thanks to all the tech that is packed into the face, it is a rather thicker smartwatch compared to other versions on the market.
Many fans are hoping for a camera on the Apple Watch, but a patent published earlier this year demonstrates there could be a lens attached to a Watch band which would be an interesting way to add a camera without bulking up the actual Watch itself.
Apple Watch 5: New features
Apple announced the next WatchOS 6 software earlier this year at WWDC so we already know some new features that will be coming to the new Apple Watch.
Period tracking is coming to both the new iPhone OS, iOS 13, as well as WatchOS. This is a good move by Apple – over 100 million women around the world reportedly track their cycles via apps however Apple has the benefit of all that data remaining on the device and protected in a secure fashion, something third-party apps cannot claim to do.
Podcast streaming is coming to the Watch, as well as more Apple apps including audiobooks, calculator and Voice memos.
As well as new software, the Apple Watch 5 will also feature a new chip which should offer faster speeds and efficiency for the next-generation smartwatch.
One thing that may be missing from this year’s Watch release is sleep tracking. The Watch can track sleep through third-party apps, not by itself. According to a report by Bloomberg earlier this year Apple will introduce advanced sleep tracking at some point, but maybe not until next year.
This could be a nice surprise come announcement day, however.
When is Apple Watch 5 coming out?
Going off the timelines from the past few years, it’s likely Apple will hold its big September keynote on Wednesday September 11.
That means the new Apple Watch 5 could be available to pre-order on Friday September 13, with the Watch available to buy a week later.
How much will the Apple Watch 5 cost?
Prices for last year’s Watch 4 started at £399, a considerable jump from the previous Watch 3’s price of £329.
If Apple packs in new tech and new designs, the starting price could be over £400 for the first time.
