I've long considered the Apple Watch to be too thick and heavy to be of any interest. Throw in the short battery life, the hifalutin, luxury aspect of it, and a close friend's experience with an exploding Apple Watch 1, and I really never thought I'd spend several hundred bucks on an Apple wearable.
But after seeing the Apple Watch Series 5, I want one. It doesn't solve the bulkiness problem, but it now includes enough bells and whistles to make me seriously consider purchasing one. Some of these features have already appeared in previous models, but the whole package is finally at a place where I'd strongly consider taking the plunge. Here are the features that spark my interest.
Always-On Display
It might seem minor, but instant access to the information display has its benefits, like when you're holding something that prevents you from lifting up your arm.
Compass Function
One of the things you'll be able to see at a glance on the Series 5 is your direction, thanks to the new built-in Compass app and its watch face complications. If one of the main points of the watch is to save you from having to pull your iPhone out, then a compass function is something the device should have included long ago. It will also show incline, latitude, longitude, and current elevation.
Noise Alerts
I live in New York City, which means I'm bombarded with loud noises several times a day. By now I usually know when I need to plug my ears, but this new app—which will arrive with watchOS 6—will give me some validation for that decision.
Life-Saving Features
Among the various videos Apple showed during its iPhone event this week was one featuring Apple Watch owners who said the wearable saved their lives. The ECG feature alerted them to Atrial fibrillation (AFib) or the fall-detection feature called 911 for them. It was all pretty moving, and a very Apple way to remind you of your own mortality. Falls or medical emergencies sneak up without warning, so having an automatic warning system on my wrist could be a real benefit. And being able to perform an ECG at any time is pretty nifty.
GPS and Barometric Altimeter
For bike rides, it's not enough just to know how long your workout lasts. The Apple Watch's GPS (as well as GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS) support let you see exactly where you've gone and the altimeter lets you know how much vertical ascent and descent you've covered.
Activity Trends
As one who regularly exercises without seeing much physical improvement, it could be that having to complete my "circles" is what's needed to tip the balance. And watchOS 6 throws in an Activity Trends feature, which will tell you if you're doing better or slacking off.
Now if only the Series 5 started at $199 like the Series 3 (the Series 4 is no longer available); instead you'll have to pay at least $399 for Apple's updated digital timepiece.