Apple Made The Wrong Decision Not Bringing The Apple Watch To Android
A report recently surfaced claiming that Apple was at one point considering making the Apple Watch compatible with Android phones. Internally, it was called "Project Fennel" and was considered nearly complete because "the work was almost complete."
The reason for Fennel's cancellation is obvious as it will impact iPhone sales. One quote even goes so far as to say, "If you give away your watch to Android, you'll reduce its value compared to the iPhone." »
None of this should come as a surprise, especially given Apple's position in the smartphone world outside of Cupertino. The company continues to ignore Google's ongoing calls to #GetTheMessage to support RCS, while other companies such as Samsung join the "fight."
However, the reality is that Apple could benefit from releasing smartwatches that work with Android phones. On the one hand, the company is already leading in market share, despite a 10% drop in shipments compared to last year (according to Counterpoint). Apple seems to have decided to pretend that nothing is happening.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch's compatibility with Android phones will likely allow Apple to gain even more market share, leaving the company behind its competitors. Unfortunately, something is stopping you from realizing this dream. it is the most popular smartphone in the world.
What will Apple Watch look like on Android?
Playing a hypothetical game, I doubt Apple will change anything about the software or design of its laptop. The only significant difference will likely be the launch of a dedicated watch app on the Play Store. Then you can simply buy an Apple Watch, create an Apple ID (if necessary), download the app, and get started.
One of the biggest questions will be how Apple handles the app situation. This is one of the reasons why Android support will be so interesting. Will Apple partner with Google to allow Play Store apps? Will you find yourself in a situation like Amazfit or Fitbit, where you're essentially stuck with pre-installed apps? I'd bet on the latter, but it's still fun to think about.
The report says that instead of ditching Samsung and limiting features, Apple will offer roughly the same experience to all Android and iOS users. In comparison, if you want to access the Galaxy Watch 6's blood pressure and ECG monitor, you need to connect it to a Samsung phone.
Google made the right decision by not limiting any features when using the Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2 with third-party devices. This is one of the reasons why I named Google's latest smartwatch as the Apple Watch for Android.
However, if the Apple Watch could be used with an Android phone, that would be great for everyone. Well, everyone except Google and Samsung. I know these big companies don't care, but users will be happy because they won't have to deal or feel the pain of being left outside of Apple's walled garden.
There's a reason the Apple Watch is so popular, and its robust software ecosystem is a big part of that. My classmate Harish recently explained why he prefers the Apple Watch over Wear OS watches, saying: “Google continues to improve the Android smartwatch space, renewing its commitment to the platform that began with Wear OS 3.
But even then, Wear OS 3 was exclusive to Samsung smartwatches for a year. We've now moved on to Wear OS 4, and there's no indication when devices like the TicWatch Pro 5 will receive the update. I mentioned this in my review because everything other than the Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch still feels very fragmented.
Apple's entry into the Android market will certainly put pressure on Google and Samsung to further improve the platform.
There's money to be made
In 2023, Apple is expected to generate about $40 billion in sales from its "wearables, home products and accessories." This figure is expected to rise slowly in the coming years, before forecasts suggest Apple will cross the $60 billion mark in 2027. .
Unfortunately, the Bloomberg report doesn't tell us when the Fennel project was cancelled. So it's unclear whether this happened last year or in 2015, before the release of the Apple Watch. If I knew this, my opinion on this issue would be more informed, because today's technological world is radically different from what it was eight years ago.
However, I'd go so far as to say that it's more likely that the Apple Watch will be available on Android rather than Apple introducing RCS or opening up iMessage. There is money to be made and the best way for these companies to print money is to sell services.
Apple Watch on Android will allow the company to make more money through “services.” Apple Fitness Plus is similar to Fitbit Premium in that it offers different types of workouts and can automatically create personalized workout plans. And while you're training, you'll be able to see all the necessary measurements on your wrist.
This could even boost sales of other Apple products, since Fitness Plus is also available on Mac, iPad, and Apple TV. So, if you want to keep your Android phone but live the rest of your life in Apple's backyard, you can do it and you won't have to give up anything.
Never say never, but it never happens
While I feel like Apple has the opportunity to take advantage of this, it's unlikely they'll ever do so. It would likely require a governing body such as the European Commission to intervene, and I would prefer that this precedent not be set.
And if it did, it probably already happened. So, unless a miracle happens, I will continue to wear the Apple Watch Ultra and carry my iPhone and flip phone with me.
