Apple has confirmed watchOS 5 will not support the first generation Apple Watch, spelling the end of the road for the groundbreaking wearable device.
The new version of the operating system, which introduces features like Walkie Talkie and Competitions within the Activity app, will only be available on Apple Watch Series 1 (the revamped version of the original) and up.
Apple did not mention the omission during its keynote WWDC address, but the beta for watchOS 5 does not include support for the first Apple Watch and official documentation does not mention compatibility either.
"watchOS 5 is not compatible with the first-generation Apple Watch." ? #WWDC18 #watchOS pic.twitter.com/F6yz2mB10l
— Panggi Libersa J.A (@panggi) June 4, 2018
The company could always choose to include support with later beta versions ahead of the watchOS consumer roll out this autumn, but it looks an awful lot like Apple is drawing a line under the original’s run.
The omission is sort of ironic given the new Walkie Talkie feature was originally announced for the first-generation watch, and is now arriving just as the device is being phased out.
Related: WWDC 2018
Original Apple Watch owners are naturally disappointed their three year old device has reached the end of the road and it’s easy to understand why.
As consumers we’re accustomed to updating our phones every few years, but can Apple Watch fans really be expected to buy an expensive new watch every three years in order to access the latest features?
Will this push you to upgrade to a new Apple Watch? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
