Apple Forced to Open iOS to Third-Party Smartwatches Under EU Regulations
The EU's new rules require Apple to allow third-party smartwatches to access iOS notifications and quick replies, breaking years of ecosystem lock-in.
Matilda
Apple Forced to Open iOS to Third-Party Smartwatches Under EU Regulations
Look at every smartwatch buying guide on the internet. I guarantee they’re either divided into separate guides for iOS and Android, like The Verge’s, or include categories like “Best for iPhone owners” or “Best for Android.” (Also, like The Verge’s fitness tracker guide.) It wasn’t always this way. Image:Google Five years ago, you could buy a Samsung or Fossil smartwatch and use it with an iPhone. The problem was it was never quite as good. Apple Watches were superior, not only because they could seamlessly connect with your Mac and AirPods, but you could also send quick replies to texts. Other third-party smartwatches couldn’t do all that. Losing the ability to interact with other devices was hardly a deal breaker — it’s not that hard to go through the regular Bluetooth pairing process. But most people view smartwatches as an easy way to stay connected without glancing at their phones. Losing quick replies because you might prefer the look or features of a third-party device? For many …
