TheApple Watch Series 5, the 2019 version of Apple's popular smartwatch, is starting at retail for $399. There are several different price points, though, depending upon the style and model you choose.
The base model sports an aluminum case. You can buy it with GPS only (no cellular plan) for $399, orGPS + Cellular for $499.
A stainless steel version of the watch is available for $699, while a titanium-case version starts at $799.
In addition, the watch is available in two sizes: a 40mm case and a 44mm case; the latter costs about $30 to $50 more, depending upon the model.
There are also specially branded versions of theApple Watch Series 5, such asApple Watch Nike (starting at $399) andApple Watch Hermès (starting at $1249).
Without a doubt, the most important new feature in the Apple Watch Series 5 is its always-on Retina display. Previous models of the watch turned off the display entirely to conserve battery life, so you had to raise your wrist to activate the screen and read the time or other information.
Now, thanks to a high-efficiency processor, theSeries 5 shows a dimmed version of the screen all the time, though it changes to full brightness when you raise your wrist. Apple claims that even with the always-on display, battery life remains consistent with previous models of the watch at about 18 hours between charges.
Apple has added a built-in compass, which allows location-aware apps like Apple Maps to orient the display automatically. And cellular versions of theSeries 5 will allow international emergency calling in over 150 countries, even if your paired iPhone is not nearby.
The new WatchOS 6 operating system includes a few useful health features, like the ability for women to better track their menstrual cycles, and get insight into fertility windows. A sound sensor warns about potentially unsafe audio levels (such as at concerts) and the watch is built to detect if you fall (which, on cellular models, can automatically place emergency calls).
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