watchOS 5 is now available for download for all Apple Watch users. There are many big and small features in the update. But which are they and what can you do with them? We list a number of them.
watchOS 5 functions: many new, useful extras
The new watchOS version includes many enhancements to features already introduced with watchOS 4. But besides that, it has several new apps and possibilities in store. iPhoned gives you an overview of the functions that allow you to get the most out of watchOS 5.
1. Smarter Siri watch face
The Siri watch face also supports third-party apps with watchOS 5. This way, the watch face can respond better to your activities and which apps you use when. We will have to wait for external app developers to build in support. When the time comes, you can, for example, have your favorite news app open as soon as you wake up.
2. Podcast app to Apple Watch
The Podcast app has been on the iPhone for a long time, but can now finally be used from your Apple Watch. The app has been given a special Watch version for this and you can easily listen to all kinds of podcasts from your wrist. All functions are there, so downloading or browsing episodes does not have to be done via your iPhone.
3. Walkie Talkie function
Whether you want to go back to your childhood, or use it because it is handy: a new function lets you use the Apple Watch as a real walkie-talkie. Two people give permission to connect in order to use it. After this you can directly record messages that will be played on the Apple Watch of the other person.
4. Competition mode Activity rings
Filling your Activity rings is most fun with watchOS 5 if your friends also own an Apple Watch. You can now set up seven-day competitions with friends to see who fills their Activity rings the best and fastest. In such a case, notifications you receive also respond to the current competition and you will receive suggestions on how to do it better. When you win a competition, you receive an award in the Activity app.
5. Workout app expanded and improved
With watchOS 5, your Apple Watch is even more suitable as a fitness watch: the Workout app has been thoroughly overhauled. As soon as you start exercising, watchOS automatically recognizes that you exercise and starts recording your performance. You will then receive a notification, after which you can indicate what kind of sport or workout you have started.
In addition, more sports have been added: yoga and hiking are now also available. You also receive more coaching while running: your Apple Watch tells you when you are running behind or far ahead of your set running speed and time.
6. Arrange the control panel
Over the years it has become increasingly busy with icons on the Control Panel for the Apple Watch. To create an overview, you can now organize the Control Panel yourself. This way you choose which icons you use and where they should be.
7. Set up WiFi for the Watch
The Wi-Fi network that your iPhone was connected to was initially automatically the network to which your Apple Watch was connected. From now on you can easily change from your Watch which WiFi network it connects to, and this no longer has to be the same as your iPhone.
8. Emoji picker
Just respond quickly to a message from your watch: do it with an emoji! This is even more convenient with watchOS 5, thanks to a brand new emoji picker. Your most used emoji will appear at the top, and the rest will be divided into categories. Struggling with typing a message on the small screen is no longer necessary.
9. Do Not Disturb
Just like in iOS 12, watchOS 5 has also received a Do Not Disturb feature to reduce the amount of distraction from notifications. When you turn on Do Not Disturb on your iPhone, notifications are also blocked on your Apple Watch.
10. Weather app adjusted
Checking the weather for the coming days is now a lot faster. The weather forecast for the next ten days can be checked quickly by scrolling down once in the Weather app or turning the Digital Crown.
In addition, the Weather app now also shows you the wind speed and the UV index. Handy for windsurfers, for example, or if you don’t want to get sunburnt during a day at the beach.
11. New watch faces & customize
Finally, watchOS 5 brings six new watch faces. These are inspired by water, fire and vapor and are a bit more interactive than previous dials. In addition, the Solar dial is now customizable. Here you can now place two Complications, so that you can put small versions of your favorite watchOS apps in it.
First reviews of Apple Watch Series 4 appear
The brand new Apple Watch Series 4 has also been presented along with watchOS 5. This will be in stores this Friday, and the first reviews from international media are pouring in. Read here what international media think of the Apple Watch Series 4.
Read more about watchOS 5
- Apple releases watchOS 6.1.3 with a bug fix for heart rate notifications (2/18/2020)
- Tip: This is how you make a heart video with your Apple Watch (2/9/2020)
- Apple releases watchOS 5.3.2 for Watch Series 4 (9-10-2019)
- Apple is releasing iOS 12.4.2 and watchOS 5.3.2 for older iPhones and Apple Watches (9/26/2019)
- watchOS 5.3 and updates for macOS, tvOS and HomePod are rolling out (7/22/2019)