6 Most Exciting New Features Coming to watchOS 5

Apple unveiled their newest upgrades and additions coming to the Apple Watch during its WWDC 2018 Keynote presentation in San Jose, California today.

Staying active and connected were the key words during the presentation, and from the looks of Apple’s watchOS 5 software update, it has created a system that has expanded and massively improved the way users stay fit, communicate and access their information.

Continue reading to learn about the most exciting new features coming with Apple's latest software upgrade.

6 New Workout Modes and Features

watchOS 5 will deliver some exciting new features catered to the running enthusiast.

The new cadence metric for indoor, outdoor walks and runs will track your progress and send an alert when you are either ahead or behind the designated target pace.

In addition, the new rolling mile pace metric gives the runner the option to see their pace for the immediately preceding mile, average pace and current pace.

Also, new Yoga and Hiking workouts have been added to the already familiar types of workouts available on the Apple Watch.

The latest additions allow you to accurately track the calories you have burned and the exercise minutes accumulated.

Now, if you forget to start a workout on Apple Watch, watchOS 5 will alert you to begin tracking. Any data you missed will be automatically added to the new workout.

5 Walkie-Talkie

This new app will allow you to talk to your friends in a totally new way with just a tap of the wrist.

Walkie-Talkie lets you hear and send voice messages like an old-school walkie-talkie. All you do is press talk and send off your message.

This watch-to-watch connection is fast and personal and can be activated on either Wi-Fi or cellular.

4 Activity Competitions

One of the fantastic additions coming to the Activity app is the ability to create friendly competitions with your friends.

You can now challenge other Apple Watch users to a seven-day workout competition.

The app allows you to track your progress while earning points for closing Activity Rings. The app will also send you coaching notifications to help stay engaged and win the week.

3 Podcasts

Podcasts have made their way to the Apple Watch. Now users can sync their favorite podcasts to their watch and listen while on the go.

The app will enable you to listen to any available podcast in the Apple catalog and will automatically refresh new content.

This new feature also opens up the possibility for music, audio books and meditation sessions from other apps to sync and playback offline without having an iPhone nearby.

2 Pride Watch Face and Pride Edition Band

Apple’s latest software update adds a rainbow flag inspired watch face to celebrate Pride to its growing repertoire of available watch faces.

The watch face features threads of colors that move when the user touches the display.

With the new Pride celebration watch face also comes a new rainbow striped watchband with donations made towards LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.

1 Student ID Cards

Student ID cards are coming to Apple Wallet, giving students access to dorm rooms, dining halls, laundry rooms, libraries and just about anywhere their regular University Student ID cards are necessary.

The program will launch in Duke, the University of Alabama and the University of Oklahoma this fall while other universities will join at the end of the year.