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The only time I would wait is if there was a killer feature upcoming or a release within a month. Don’t get into the perpetual wait cycle. Life is short. The 5 is solid and you can get some pretty good deals on it. Everything I’ve read on the 6 won’t crush the 5 in terms of usability and it will have the same form factor.
 
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unless I’m not understanding your post or you’re taking something out of context, what ‘mental health’ capabilities could Apple consider for the Apple Watch? I can understand physical monitoring in terms of heart rate, EKG, etc. But mental health? Mental will be referring to concerns that no Apple Watch could detect given how intricate Psychological tendencies can be. Again, Unless I missed a recent rumor/prediction, I’m not understanding ‘mental health‘ would be a consideration.

The rumors are that it will be able to help predict and warn of impending panic attacks. I’d like for the watch to monitor HRV, beyond just a couple times a day, and give feedback on stress levels. Similar to Garmin, I’d like it to suggest a moment to relax/breath, when my stress levels based on HRV have gotten very high.
 
I never buy tech that's on its second year with the same innards (CPU). So no, I wouldn't buy an AW5 now.
The Apple Watch is hardly meant to be a power beast though. Seeing how cheap the Series 4 is right now, I probably wouldn't have bought my Series 5 in hindsight. I know tonnes of people with the Series 3 and its still going strong against newer models with no CPU issues.
 
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The Apple Watch is hardly meant to be a power beast though. Seeing how cheap the Series 4 is right now, I probably wouldn't have bought my Series 5 in hindsight. I know tonnes of people with the Series 3 and its still going strong against newer models with no CPU issues.

I've upgraded every year from S0 through S4 and skipped S5 because it didn't include a more powerful CPU. Every single year I noticed whichever AW I had slow down when the OS was updated.
 
I've upgraded every year from S0 through S4 and skipped S5 because it didn't include a more powerful CPU. Every single year I noticed whichever AW I had slow down when the OS was updated.
Fair enough, I didn't have issues like that but did keep my S2 for nearly 3 years. I only use mine for fitness, Siri and viewing texts though so nothing particularly demanding.
 
The rumors are that it will be able to help predict and warn of impending panic attacks. I’d like for the watch to monitor HRV, beyond just a couple times a day, and give feedback on stress levels. Similar to Garmin, I’d like it to suggest a moment to relax/breath, when my stress levels based on HRV have gotten very high.

Yes, I recall that rumor now about the ‘panic attack’ now that you mention that. I think that’s really interesting technology if that proves to be accurate, although I think there’s so many minuscule configurations of what a panic attack is, I’m curious to see if that rumor proves to be accurate and how reliable that type of technology would be given the tendencies are so intricate with ‘panic attacks‘. I personally don’t suffer from that issue, but I imagine it’s not Something that so easily defined.
 
The Apple Watch is hardly meant to be a power beast though. Seeing how cheap the Series 4 is right now, I probably wouldn't have bought my Series 5 in hindsight. I know tonnes of people with the Series 3 and its still going strong against newer models with no CPU issues.

Interesting. In many ways a S4 might be just as good as a S5, assuming it was discounted further.
Sure always on screen and extra storage.
But given the two are nearly identical, would it be fair to assume technically anything the AW5 can do, the AW4 should be able as well? In other words, is future proofing is the same?
 
But given the two are nearly identical, would it be fair to assume technically anything the AW5 can do, the AW4 should be able as well? In other words, is future proofing is the same?

I have an S4 - and just ordered an S5.

I went into this expecting that Apple will stop supporting the S4 and the S5 at the same time in the future. In other words, I consider them identical in terms of future-proofing - and the S5 will not have a longer life in terms of software support IMO.
 
I've upgraded every year from S0 through S4 and skipped S5 because it didn't include a more powerful CPU. Every single year I noticed whichever AW I had slow down when the OS was updated.
Not great for the owner but the usual Apple trick/scam/operating procedure to "encourage" a purchase of the new model.
 
As much as I’d like to hold out for the S6, I ordered a S5 the other day.
Had some credit card loyalty points and with this Covid thing, I wont be traveling anywhere soon.

They also had a 25% discount so my total came to $250 CAD.
I can always sell it down the road if the S6 is worthwhile upgrade.
 
This is my dilemma as I just returned to iPhone primarily because I want an Apple Watch again, and currently they’re in the refurb store for a decent discount. But, it’s nearly June, which marks just over 3 months to the new model.

OTOH it could be another month or so due to the virus. And blood oxygen detection is normally something that “if you need it you’re already in hospital/ already been diagnosed with something and told to use one that clips on your finger”. BUT also the virus has caused people to have low saturation and not even realise, so there’s that...
 
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As much as I’d like to hold out for the S6, I ordered a S5 the other day.
Had some credit card loyalty points and with this Covid thing, I wont be traveling anywhere soon.

They also had a 25% discount so my total came to $250 CAD.
I can always sell it down the road if the S6 is worthwhile upgrade.

Ugh! I'm so behind with my iPhone hardware (partly because I'm cheap and because nothing has appealed to me), that I can't use an S5 with my current phone. Apparently it needs iOS 13 which I can't run on my iPhone 6.

I've committed to getting the 12, but that's still a good 5-6 months away! I don't know if I should return the S5 and repurchase it or an AW6 down the road after my iPhone purchase in October.
 
Ugh! I'm so behind with my iPhone hardware (partly because I'm cheap and because nothing has appealed to me), that I can't use an S5 with my current phone. Apparently it needs iOS 13 which I can't run on my iPhone 6.

I've committed to getting the 12, but that's still a good 5-6 months away! I don't know if I should return the S5 and repurchase it or an AW6 down the road after my iPhone purchase in October.

If you can't use your current phone - you won't be able to use the watch. It must be paired with a current phone for the entire setup etc...

I'd wait - if you're getting a 12 - then just get both of the latest Apple devices at the same time. That would be a sweet combo I'm sure!
 
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I would buy now and then if the S6 is a worthy enough upgrade, sell the S5 and buy the S6.
if its worth it? Lol dude the Series 6 is going to have a blood oxygen monitor of course its going to be a worth upgrade, once the Series 6 is out the Series 4/5 will be way behind in terms of Health Features. The design of the watch MAY not change but functionality wise it will be a massive upgrade
 
if its worth it? Lol dude the Series 6 is going to have a blood oxygen monitor of course its going to be a worth upgrade, once the Series 6 is out the Series 4/5 will be way behind in terms of Health Features. The design of the watch MAY not change but functionality wise it will be a massive upgrade

You’re right, the Design of the Apple Watch doesn’t need to change, Apple has a contemporary design with perfect band functionality that is well executed. What Apple will do, is continue to improve health advancements, as that is the future of the Apple Watch, as this device matured exceedingly quick after the Series 3. The Series 5 Apple Watch doesn’t really offer anything that substantial over the Series 4, [aside from AOD], but it was more of an ‘S model‘, as the Series 6 will probably be far More significant if the rumors prove accurate.
 
You’re right, the Design of the Apple Watch doesn’t need to change, Apple has a contemporary design with perfect band functionality that is well executed. What Apple will do, is continue to improve health advancements, as that is the future of the Apple Watch, as this device matured exceedingly quick after the Series 3. The Series 5 Apple Watch doesn’t really offer anything that substantial over the Series 4, [aside from AOD], but it was more of an ‘S model‘, as the Series 6 will probably be far More significant if the rumors prove accurate.
That’s the reason I didn’t upgrade to the series 5 and kept my series 4. I happen to have the Hermes 44mm Series 4 SS model and it lost its value drastically when series 5 came out even though it brought nothing new to the table except for always on display which I don’t even see necessary. So these watches don’t hold value no matter what because it’s a gadget and as soon as the new gen comes out it the older models lose value
 
if its worth it? Lol dude the Series 6 is going to have a blood oxygen monitor of course its going to be a worth upgrade, once the Series 6 is out the Series 4/5 will be way behind in terms of Health Features. The design of the watch MAY not change but functionality wise it will be a massive upgrade

Do we know that the O2 monitor requires new hardware? I've read reports suggesting Series 4/5 have hardware that can pull the data, but that simply isn't accessed and used by the current watchOS.

For my money, Series 5's always-on display obsoletes earlier models, as it gets rid of the dreaded black-hole syndrome plaguing earlier models. (That's the only reason I didn't pick up a used 4.)

It's weird: I'm not what you'd call style-conscious, so I'm not sure why the black wrist-hole bothers me so much. Maybe it's because I'm old enough to remember (vaguely) LED watches, and how goofy they looked once LCD watches came on the market. I expect the same thing to happen with wearables.
 
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Do we know that the O2 monitor requires new hardware? I've read reports suggesting Series 4/5 have hardware that can pull the data, but that simply isn't accessed and used by the current watchOS.

For my money, Series 5's always-on display obsoletes earlier models, as it gets rid of the dreaded black-hole syndrome plaguing earlier models. (That's the only reason I didn't pick up a used 4.)

It's weird: I'm not what you'd call style-conscious, so I'm not sure why the black wrist-hole bothers me so much. Maybe it's because I'm old enough to remember (vaguely) LED watches, and how goofy they looked once LCD watches came on the market. I expect the same thing to happen with wearables.

I don’t think we do. But even if the S4/5 could, would Apple allow it or block access via software. After all what other major feature can be used to entice buyers to a Series 6?
 
I don’t think we do. But even if the S4/5 could, would Apple allow it or block access via software. After all what other major feature can be used to entice buyers to a Series 6?
Alot of things can entice users to upgrade to series 6, better battery, Sleep Tracking, Improved Heart Rate Sensor, better display (Micro LED), Higher Res display, Improved design perhaps without the black bezels, Thinner form factor. With that being said, im with you on the reasoning that even though prior AW models might be capable of measuring Blood data using the built in sensor (prior tear-towns have shown all apple watches have that sensor built in, its simply inactive via software as per Apple's decision for whatever reason it may be), Apple would make this new health feature a Series 6 exclusive. They may claim the Processor of the Prior AW Models isn't capable or something of that nature to make their reasoning valid.
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Do we know that the O2 monitor requires new hardware? I've read reports suggesting Series 4/5 have hardware that can pull the data, but that simply isn't accessed and used by the current watchOS.

For my money, Series 5's always-on display obsoletes earlier models, as it gets rid of the dreaded black-hole syndrome plaguing earlier models. (That's the only reason I didn't pick up a used 4.)

It's weird: I'm not what you'd call style-conscious, so I'm not sure why the black wrist-hole bothers me so much. Maybe it's because I'm old enough to remember (vaguely) LED watches, and how goofy they looked once LCD watches came on the market. I expect the same thing to happen with wearables.
I personally PREFER my display to be off when not in use and is the reason i kept my Hermes Series 4 44mm Apple Watch and didnt upgrade to Series 5. I also have better battery life than any Series 5 Apple Watch which was another reason i didnt upgrade to series 5.
 
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Thing is let's say sleep tracking is only for the S6, that removes half the benefit of the O2 sensor, which would be picking up on sleep apnea

I'm interested in that - I had a Garmin band very briefly (like a week) and it consistently read like 85-90% in its overnight recordings (that's.... really bad) but they're also not confident enough in their sensor to warn you so I'm not sure it was anything more than a gimmick. Apple tends to enable these things when they're genuinely useful rather than a gimmick.
 
I've decided to purchase an Apple Watch! I don't really wear watches HOWEVER, when I go outside to workout at night, I'm doing so without any protection in case of an emergency (I don't like things in my pockets in general) and never take my phone with me. Plus, I'd like to start getting into tracking my workouts, and seeing just what kind of progress I'm making with them.

I've heard the rumors that Apple Watch 6 SHOULD be getting blood oxygen levels (whether that will be a software update that will also work on previous models or not is still not known). Also new micro LED display, etc.

So I'm curious, should I buy NOW or should I be patient and wait until the fall?

What would you do?

The watch has been one of those I do not buy the newest when it comes out. I have never owned the newest watch, right now I upgraded to a Series 3 about 4 months ago or so...It’s up to you, if you like it, get it, but there will always be a newer, ”better”, “upgraded” version around the corner. I expect I’ll be on a series 5 in 2 years or so...
 
I also have better battery life than any Series 5 Apple Watch, which was another reason I didn't upgrade to series 5.

Funny enough, that's what kept me from upgrading S4 -> S5 - all the stories of people saying the battery was worse than the S4. Anyways - I decided I just really wanted a Ceramic S4, so I bought the S5, turned off the display and getting ~60 hours out of a full charge, which is better than my S4 by ~10 hours. Disappointed I listened to all the negativity but should have known most posts here are for people with issues. I posted a photo here somewhere the other day of my usage and the battery time etc. Colour me impressed.

(I use my watch as a communication device, not an activity tracker - so I never use GPS etc)

Funny enough yesterday, I figured I might as well try the AOD, and I'm getting 24 hours usage on 50% battery. So, less than I was with AOD off, but still, as much as I was getting on my S4 - so I can see why Apple rated the battery at the same operating time between the two models.

The S6 will be even better, I'm sure - and seeing how much they were able to actually do now with the battery/screen on the S5 I'm even more intrigued at what's next!
 
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Thing is let's say sleep tracking is only for the S6, that removes half the benefit of the O2 sensor, which would be picking up on sleep apnea

I'm interested in that - I had a Garmin band very briefly (like a week) and it consistently read like 85-90% in its overnight recordings (that's.... really bad) but they're also not confident enough in their sensor to warn you so I'm not sure it was anything more than a gimmick. Apple tends to enable these things when they're genuinely useful rather than a gimmick.
I agree 100%, Apple will only ship a feature if they are confident enough that it is reliable and accurate. Garmin, Samsung etc will release tons of new buzz worthy half baked features that are nothing but a gimmick in many cases.
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Funny enough, that's what kept me from upgrading S4 -> S5 - all the stories of people saying the battery was worse than the S4. Anyways - I decided I just really wanted a Ceramic S4, so I bought the S5, turned off the display and getting ~60 hours out of a full charge, which is better than my S4 by ~10 hours. Disappointed I listened to all the negativity but should have known most posts here are for people with issues. I posted a photo here somewhere the other day of my usage and the battery time etc. Colour me impressed.

(I use my watch as a communication device, not an activity tracker - so I never use GPS etc)

Funny enough yesterday, I figured I might as well try the AOD, and I'm getting 24 hours usage on 50% battery. So, less than I was with AOD off, but still, as much as I was getting on my S4 - so I can see why Apple rated the battery at the same operating time between the two models.

The S6 will be even better, I'm sure - and seeing how much they were able to actually do now with the battery/screen on the S5 I'm even more intrigued at what's next!

that’s great you’re getting good battery life on your S5, it should be the same whether you have AOD on or Off so not sure why you’re getting different battery figures, I recall Apple officially confirming that as well several months ago that disabling AOD would NOT yield in better battery life (even though common logic would incline you to think otherwise)
 
Alot of things can entice users to upgrade to series 6, better battery, Sleep Tracking, Improved Heart Rate Sensor, better display (Micro LED), Higher Res display, Improved design perhaps without the black bezels, Thinner form factor.

This is an interesting premise. It got me thinking as to why there is such a thick bezel. I had read that OLED displays allowed for a greater edge-to-edge implementation than LED. Hence why the iPhone 11 Pros have a noticeably thinner border than the regular iPhone 11. An AW6 with larger display within the same housing would certainly distinguish it from the AW4/5.
 
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