David Phelan
Over the years, Apple Watch has evolved in many directions. But a new report from Mark Gurman and Drake Bennett: bloomberg claims that one feature that would fundamentally change the usability of wearables is under consideration: compatibility with Android phones.
The report claims that Watch’s engineers considered a number of features but none came to fruition. These include a watch strap with sensors to collect data and, most interestingly, an “Ive-designed blood pressure cuff that does not require inflation.”
One item that didn’t happen was support for the Watch and its accompanying Health app to work on iPhone as well as Android. There are so many Android smartphones in the world that this makes a lot of sense if you want to sell more Apple Watches. As the report notes, “At one point, Apple engineers were also hard at work making the Watch and Health apps compatible with the billions of Android devices in circulation. The move, code-named “Project Fennel,” aims to bring the company’s health features, and the health benefits that Apple has repeatedly touted, to more people, especially in countries where Apple has little market share. It would be. ”
Perhaps this feature could have helped Apple become the world’s most popular watch much earlier. But another sales figure got in the way: the success of the iPhone. The report goes on to say, “However, other business considerations took precedence. With the Apple Watch driving iPhone sales, work was nearly complete at the time Project Fennel was canceled.” He continues. “If he hands over the watch to Android, the value of the watch will be diluted by his iPhone,” said a person familiar with the decision.
Since the iPhone is more profitable than the Apple Watch, it’s understandable that Apple didn’t want to sacrifice extra customers on the iPhone for additional Watch sales.
Instead, from the first Apple Watch to today, you need an iPhone to activate your Watch. Not all smartwatches work the same, and many are compatible with both iOS and Android. But frankly, few are as powerful as the Apple Watch.
