watchOS 5 builds on fitness and communication


Apple previewed watchOS 5 at its annual developer conference bringing new features for activity and communications. The Apple Watch will now automatically detect a workout for its most popular workout settings with retroactive credit. It will also prompt to end a workout if activity stopped. Usually, when walking somewhere I don’t remember to set up a workout, so this sounds like something I’ll be using. Most times I forget to stop a workout, so the inactivity prompt should also be helpful. In addition to the auto workout, watchOS 5 new workout options for yoga and hiking.

Apple Watches will also get a podcast upgrade with support for automatically syncing with other devices for latest episodes. You’ll also be able to search and play podcasts using Siri.

watchOS 5 is adding a walkie-talkie function as a way to send short voice messages. This seems intended more for fun than function, but it is supported over both WiFi and cellular networks.

watchOS 5 is expected to be available later this fall. It will be a free upgrade and work with Apple Watch Series 1 and newer. The original Apple Watch is excluded from this upgrade.