Why You Can Trust CNET How to preorder the new Apple Watch Series 5
Fifth-generation device features always-on screen, compass, improved safety features and new Apple Watch Studio Experience lets you pick your watch and watchband combination.
Apple Watch Series 5 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, just like the previous generation.
Update, Sept. 18: Read our full rated Apple Watch Series 5 review here.
Apple on Tuesday unveiled its new Apple Watch Series 5 from the Steve Jobs Theater at its Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California. The new watch features an always-on display and internal compass, and they'll be available in titanium and ceramic bodies. Cellular models now have international emergency calling built in, too.
To save power, screens on previous generations of the Apple Watch automatically turned off after a few seconds or when you dropped your wrist. Most of the performance improvements to the Apple Watch Series 5, however, focused on energy efficiency, allowing for an always-on display that merely dims when you're not looking at it. Raising your wrist or tapping the screen will return the display to full brightness.
The Apple Watch 5 features an always-on display thanks to power efficiency improvements under the hood.
Apple also announced a new way of choosing which watch and watchband combination best fits your style, called the Apple Watch Studio Experience. Previously, watches were sold with preselected bands. Now when you buy an Apple Watch, either online or in-store, you can mix and match to suit your personal taste.
Ready for the new Apple Watch Series 5? Here's what you need to know to get in your preorder.
Apple Watch Series 5 is available in titanium as well as space black titanium finishes, as well as white ceramic.
Apple Watch Series 5 pricing
The Apple Watch Series 5 starts at $399 for GPS models and $499 for LTE-equipped cellular models.
In the UK, the watches start at £399 with LTE models starting at £499. In Australia, prices start at AU$649 and AU$799 for LTE.
See the full pricing options for the Apple Watch Series 5.
When can I get one?
The Apple Watch Series 5 is available for preorder starting immediately (unlike the iPhone 11 series, which can't be ordered until Friday, Sept. 13). Preorders will begin arriving Sept. 20, when Series 5 watches becomes available in stores.
Did Apple add any new designs?
As a matter of fact, yes. In addition to the aluminum and stainless steel models, Apple Watch Series 5 is available in brushed titanium, brushed Space Gray titanium and white ceramic finishes.
Where do I preorder?
You can preorder the Apple Watch Series 5 on Apple's website. You can also preorder at Amazon, Best Buy B&H and Sprint.
Note that CNET may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
Can I update my current Apple Watch to the new WatchOS?
Yes, WatchOS 6 will be available Sept. 19 for all Apple Watches except the original model.
Did Apple discount their older watch models?
They did. The Apple Watch Series 3 is now available for $199. However, the Series 4 has been discontinued.
More from the Apple event
- iPhone 11: New wide-angle camera, 6 colors, faster Face ID for $699
- Apple iPhone 11 event photos
- See all our event coverage