Apple Watch Series 5 finally has an always-on display

Apple has addressed one of the biggest complaints about the Apple Watch with its latest iteration. Announced today, the Apple Watch Series 5 has an always-on display.

On previous models, your Apple Watch will go dark when you're not looking at it. On the Apple Watch Series 5, it will just dim instead. Apple says it has optimised watch faces so that you should be able to comfortably see the time and your complications despite the lower brightness, and as such, make it easier to sneak a quick glance without having to fully raise your wrist.

Despite the move to an always-on display, Apple says the Watch Series 5 will have the same "all day" battery life we saw on Series 4.

One other key new feature you'll find in the Apple Watch Series 5 is an integrated compass. This will work with Maps to show you which direction you're heading, and there'll also be a dedicated Compass app. Otherwise, the Watch Series 5 is reasonably similar to its predecessor. 

As with past Apple Watches, you can choose from aluminium and stainless steel Series 5 models. In addition, the Apple Watch Series 5 will also be available in extra fancy ceramic and titanium variants under the "Watch Edition" moniker.

The starting prices for Apple Watch Series 5 devices is as follows:

• Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium GPS (40mm): $649
• Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium GPS (40mm): $699
• Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium 4G (40mm): $799
• Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium 4G (40mm): $849
• Apple Watch Series 5 Stainless Steel (40mm): $1,099
• Apple Watch Series 5 Stainless Steel (44mm): $1,179
• Apple Watch Series 5 Titanium (40mm): $1,259
• Apple Watch Series 5 Titanium (44mm): $1,339
• Apple Watch Series 5 Ceramic (40mm): $1,999
• Apple Watch Series 5 Ceramic (44mm): $2,079

Note that you only have to choose between a 4G and non-4G variant of the Apple Watch Series 5 if you're grabbing an aluminium model. All other material variants are 4G by default.

You can order the Apple Watch Series 5 right now how ahead of a September 20 release date. Notably, Apple now lets you pair any Watch with any band when you're ordering online or purchasing in store.

Apple has discontinued the Apple Watch Series 4, but is keeping the Series 3 around as a cheaper option with prices now starting at $319 for a GPS-only model, and $469 for a 4G model.

The Apple Watch Series 5 was announced alongside the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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