Apple reportedly considered making the Apple Watch compatible with Android. On November 1st (local time), Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported that Apple had prepared to connect the Apple Watch and an Android health app but later withdrew the project.
Apple Watch requires iPhone
The Apple Watch does not connect with anything other than an iPhone. It uses Bluetooth for connection but blocks compatibility with other devices.
In contrast, the Galaxy Watch can connect with other smartphones. It supports connections with Android smartphones like Xiaomi, Sony, and Google. Some past models could also connect with iPhones. The Galaxy Watch Active 2, released in 2019, supported iPhone connections.
Apple had prepared for Android and Apple Watch compatibility
Pocketnew
Apple also seems to have considered making the Apple Watch compatible with other smartphones. It is known that they aimed to improve the compatibility of the health app, a key service of the Apple Watch. The code name is said to have been Project Fennel.
Why did they prepare for a connection with Android? It’s because of Android’s high market share. According to a 2023 survey by mobile data analytics company Business of Apps, Android’s global market share exceeds 70%, while iOS falls below 30%. In countries like Brazil, Iran, Turkey, and India, Android’s market share reaches 85%.
The Apple Watch can only connect with iPhones, making the iOS market share important. The iOS market share essentially determines the sales volume of the Apple Watch. For this reason, Apple seems to have considered compatibility with Android.
The project reportedly progressed almost to the completion stage. However, Apple ultimately canceled it, deeming it unsuitable for their business. It is said that the fact that the Apple Watch, which is exclusively compatible with the iPhone, plays a partial role in boosting iPhone sales cannot be ignored.
They also considered iMessage for Android
There have been similar cases in the past. Apple considered developing iMessage for Android in 2013 but soon gave up. This fact was revealed during a lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games in 2021.
Apple Vice President Eddy Cue explained that iMessage for Android would have improved operating system compatibility and facilitated smoother communication. However, he said they withdrew the plan due to the high possibility of errors occurring with different operating systems. Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering and the person responsible for iOS, also expressed concerns that the uniqueness of the iPhone would disappear and users could easily switch to other operating systems.
It’s not that there are no services released for the Android version. Apple currently supports the use of Apple Music on Windows and Android. They also launched the Apple Music Classic app last May. However, according to user reviews, some functions are limited, and compatibility is somewhat lacking.
Rumors are also circulating about the launch of ‘Apple TV’ for Android. Last December, IT tipster ShrimpApplePro reported via his X that Apple is testing Apple TV for Android. He did not disclose a specific timeline. If the rumor is true, Android smartphone users can use the Apple TV+ streaming service without visiting the website.
What will the next-generation Apple Watch look like?
Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Apple Watch. The industry expects a significant update in response.
In particular, rumors are spreading that many new health features will be added. It is reported that they will introduce a feature that can track user’s blood pressure by equipping a new sensor. It is also said that users can record various symptoms related to blood pressure changes in a blood pressure journal. In addition, they are known to be planning to introduce sleep apnea tracking features and paid health services. It is expected that they will be able to create customized exercise and diet plans for users using AI (Artificial Intelligence).
By. Kim Ha Young
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