While Computex 2018 was underway, Apple did an event on their own, the WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) where they previewed some much-needed software updates for their devices. Among those software updates was the watchOS 5.
Here are the new features of the watchOS 5:
- Activity Sharing – a feature where Apple Watch wearers can invite others to compete in a seven-day activity contest.
- Auto-workout detection – Provides alerts and features a reminder to end workout sessions after a period of inactivity
- New Workouts – Apple added Yoga and Hiking to the set
- New Running Features – A new cadence metric, pace alarm, and a new rolling mile pace metric was added
- Walkie Talkie – Apple added a walkie-talkie feature that has worldwide range.
- Apple Podcast – The well-known podcast app is now available on the Apple Watch. Watched episodes sync to any other supported devices for quick and easy access.
- Siri Updates
- Enhanced Notifications
- Student ID Cards – Apple added some more functionalities with Student ID cards. Users can now gain access to places including the library, dorms, events, and even pay for snacks, laundry, and dinner around campus by adding their ID cards to their Wallet on the Apple Watch. Most supported Universities though are in located in the US.
- Pride and Summer Bands – A new pride watch face was added to celebrate Pride month.
watchOS 5 will be available this fall for the Apple Watch Series 1 and later devices. The OS will require an iPhone 5s or later that is on the recently announced iOS 12. Sadly, the original Apple Watch will not be supported.
More of the WWDC 2018 Annoucement:
