Apple on Monday released watchOS 5, their new operating system for Apple Watch devices. The new operating system is available for Apple Watch Series 1 and newer devices. It is not available for the first-generation “Series 0” Apple Watch.
WatchOS 5 is a free updated and can be downloaded and installed via the Watch app on the iPhone by going to “General” -> “Software Update” and following the prompts. The Apple Watch needs to have at least 50% battery power, be connected to a charger, and be within range of its connected iPhone.
watchOS is a major update to the watchOS operating system, adding a host of new features including Activity Sharing competitions, auto-workout detection, advanced running features, Walkie-Talkie, Apple Podcasts and third-party apps on the Siri watch face.
An improved Siri Watch face offers predictive and proactive Shortcut suggestions, based on your personal routine and the time of day. Apple Maps integrations offers turn-by-turn directions as well estimated travel times. Other integration includes heart rate measurements, live sports scores, and much more.
Siri “Raise to Speak” allows users of newer Apple Watch models to activate Siri without the need to hold down the Watch’s Digital Crown. A new Podcast app allows listening to Podcasts on the Watch.
Multiple new watch faces are available in watchOS 5. The new faces include a Breathe face that walks users through stress-relieving breathing exercises, animated motion faces, and new capabilities for the Photos watch face.
The Apple Watch also gains new grouped notifications and Do Not Disturb features. In addition, the Watch can now alert users if their heart rate falls below a specified rate during a 10-minute period of inactivity.