Apple’s walled garden approach usually means that third-party support isn’t quite as available compared to other companies, and if you were hoping that this year would be the year that Apple finally introduces support for Android devices for the Apple Watch, then prepare to be disappointed because it does not look like that is the case.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, it seems that Android users should not expect Apple to support Android with the Apple Watch this year. Kuo claims the difficulty in creating a good experience between Android and watchOS, which is why Apple could be holding off from releasing support for Android devices this year, although right now it is unclear if and when Android support will ever arrive.
Kuo also states that the Apple Watch with LTE will rely on an eSIM, which is in line with what we’ve heard previously, and it shouldn’t be surprising given that eSIMs are smaller than a regular SIM card, plus Apple has done it already with the iPad in the past, so this move is kind of expected.
However Kuo disagrees with rumors suggesting that the LTE Apple Watch could support voice calls. He claims that Apple wants to improve on the data transmission of the Apple Watch for a better user experience before enabling the feature. In any case take it with a grain of salt, but the new Apple Watch is expected to be announced next month alongside the new iPhone 8, so check back with us then for the details.
Filed in . Read more about Android, Apple Watch, Smartwatch and Wearable Tech.