Apple Watch Series 5 — hands on and first impressions

Apple Watch Series 5

A year ago we got the Apple Watch Series 4 with a big redesign, larger display, and a host of other features. Today's Apple Watch Series 5 is a bit more iterative — but with two big additions.

Apple Watch Series 5 First Look

While the Apple Watch Series 5 now has 32GB of flash store, the most prominent feature addition is the new display which retains the same 40mm and 44mm sizes but is now an Always-On Retina display. It works great in practice and was easy to see the display dim when we dropped our wrist wearing the watch.

On the watch face, third-party complications dim just as Apple's do though third-party apps are slightly different. When in a third-party app on Series 5 and focus is lost, the display appears to frost over and the time is overlaid on top.

Premium Titanium and Ceramic Cases

We also have two new case materials this year in the form of ceramic and titanium in the Apple Watch Edition lineup. We've seen the ceramic offering before in the clean, glossy, creamy white but the titanium is new for Apple Watch.

The titanium Series 5 has a brushed, metallic appearance versus the matte anodized aluminum or the glossy stainless steel. The silver titanium is very apparent whereas the Space Black titanium is slightly less noticeable thanks to the diamond-like coating that provides for its color.

For deals and product availability on the Apple Watch Series 5, be sure to check out our Apple Watch 5 Price Guide.