It’s no big secret that technology rivals Apple and Samsung haven’t been overly ‘compatible’ with each other’s ecosystems, but this latest announcement from Samsung is looking to turn things around. It now offers support for iOS devices. That’s right, Samsung has launched new Gear S and Gear Fit apps that bring iOS compatibility to all of its current wrist-worn devices, including the Gear S3 (both Classic and Frontier), the Gear S2 and the Gear Fit 2.
You can download the Gear S and Gear Fit on the App Store from here.
After downloading the required apps, users will be instructed step-by-step on how to pair up their iOS device with their smartwatch.
However, only the three Gear devices mentioned above compatible, and you’ll need to own an iPhone 5 or any model up to iPhone 7 and iPhone SE. As per the App Store listings, both apps are compatible with devices running iOS 9 or onwards.
As can be expected, you wouldn’t see an ecosystem-wide integration on your iOS device as is provided with Android and Samsung devices. Needless to say, the features supported on the iOS platform are plentiful; including the notifications, Find My Gear, downloading app to wearable device and syncing health and fitness data of the user.
Younghee Lee, EVP of global marketing, mobile communications at Samsung said:
By offering Android and iOS compatibility with our latest Gear devices, we’re giving users more ways to optimise their wearable experiences and connect to Samsung’s Galaxy of possibilities.
While features and functions will vary by device, iOS users will be able to enjoy the Samsung Gear S3’s timeless and stylish design, IP68 water and dust resistance, as well as the built-in GPS, Alti/barometer and Speedometer apps.
the company said in it’s official blog post on the topic.
As per a news report in December last year, Samsung is planning to roll out its Gear S3 smartwatch, which comes with with two variants – Frontier and Classic, in India by the end of this month.
This comes as a smart move from Samsung in order to welcome a host of possible new users on to it’s smartwatch bandwagon, especially with it’s flagship product Note 7 facing a much publicized calamity.
