Apple Made The Wrong Decision Not Bringing The Apple Watch To Android
A report recently surfaced that Apple is actually considering bringing the Apple Watch to Android phones at some point. Internally, it was called the "Vinyl Project" and was said to be nearing completion because "the work was almost done".
The reason for canceling Fennel is clear: it will affect iPhone sales. One quote so far says: “If you keep an Android watch, you'll devalue your iPhone watch.”
None of this should come as a surprise, especially given Apple's standing in the smartphone world outside of Cupertino. The company continues to ignore Google's constant #GetTheMessage calls to support RCS, despite other companies like Samsung joining the "fight."
However, the truth is that it is in Apple's interest to release smartwatches that work with Android phones. On the one hand, the company is already a leader in terms of market share, although it is down 10% compared to last year (according to Counterpoint). Apple seems intent on just shipping products as if nothing happened.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch's compatibility with Android phones will likely give Apple a larger market share, easily overtaking its competitors. Unfortunately, there's one thing standing in the way of that dream: the world's most popular smartphone.
What will the Apple Watch look like on Android?
Playing a hypothetical game, I doubt Apple would change anything in its software or the design of its wearables. Probably the only significant difference is the release of a dedicated app for the watch in the Play Store. Then, you simply get your Apple Watch, create an Apple ID (if necessary), download the app, and get started.
One of the biggest questions will be how Apple handles app state. This is one of the reasons why Android compatibility is interesting. Will Apple work with Google to allow apps from the Play Store? Will we end up in an Amazfit or Fitbit type situation where you're stuck with a pre-installed app? I'd venture to guess the latter, but it's still interesting to think about.
According to the report, Apple will not follow Samsung's steps and limit its features, and instead offer almost the same experience to all Android and iOS users. In comparison, if you want to access the Galaxy Watch 6's ECG and blood pressure monitor, you'll need to connect it to a Samsung phone.
Google has made the right decision not to restrict any functionality when using the Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2 on non-Pixel devices. That's why Google's latest smartwatch is called the "Apple Watch for Android."
However, if the Apple Watch was released with the ability to use it with an Android phone, it would be great for everyone. Everyone except Google and Samsung. I know these big companies don't care, but users will be happy because they won't have to live or experience the pain of being locked in Apple's walled garden.
There's a reason the Apple Watch is so popular, and its robust app ecosystem is a big part of that. My friend Harish recently explained why he prefers the Apple Watch over Wear OS watches, noting that "it's this consistent reliability that gives watchOS a clear advantage over Wear OS." Google continues to improve the Android smartwatch market by returning to the platform it started with Wear OS 3.
But despite this, Wear OS 3 has been exclusive to Samsung smartwatches for a year. In the meantime, we're ready for Wear OS 4, and there's no word on when devices like the TicWatch Pro 5 will receive the update. I mentioned this in my review because, with the exception of the Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch, everything still feels fragmented.
Apple's entry into the Android market will likely put pressure on Google and Samsung to continue improving the platform.
There is money to be made
In 2023, Apple is expected to generate about $40 billion in revenue from “apparel, home, and accessories.” This number is expected to grow slowly over the next few years before projections indicate that Apple will surpass the $60 billion mark in 2027.
Unfortunately, the Bloomberg report gives us no idea when the Fennel project was shut down, so we don't know if it was last year or in 2015, before the Apple Watch launched. Knowing this may better influence my opinion on the matter, as the world of technology is radically different today than it was eight years ago.
Regardless, I'd say the Apple Watch coming to Android is more likely than Apple adopting RCS or launching iMessage. There is money to be made and the best way to print money for these companies is to sell services.
The Apple Watch on Android will allow businesses to make more money from “services.” Apple Fitness Plus is similar to Fitbit Premium in that it offers different types of workouts to track and can automatically create custom workout plans. And you can see all relevant indicators appear on your wrist while you work.
This could also boost sales of other Apple products, as Fitness Plus is also available on Mac, iPad and Apple TV. So, if you want to keep your Android phone but want to live the rest of your life in Apple's garden, you can do that and you won't have to sacrifice anything.
Never say never, but it never happens
Although I think Apple could capitalize on this opportunity, it is unlikely to happen. It may require the involvement of some administrative body such as the European Commission, and I would not really like to see a precedent like that.
Moreover, if it happened, there is a high probability that it has already happened. So, barring a miracle, I'll continue to wear my Apple Watch Ultra and carry my iPhone and cell phone twice.
