Android Wear devices have been compatible with the iPhone for several months, while Tizen smartwatches like the new Samsung Gear S2 are not. However, this may be changing.
Samsung Gear S2 iPhone support may be coming soon, as Samsung is said to be working on an iOS app that will allow iPhone users to use the Gear S2 and add it to the list of several Android smartwatches that can be used on Apple’s smartphone.
Currently, most Android Wear smartwatches can work with iPhone as long as users install the Android Wear app on their phone. They can easily pair their Android Wear smartwatch with iPhone using the app.
Granted, the functionality is pretty limited, and Android Wear watches can really only show notifications and alerts that you can pop out of the watch itself, as well as other native features that the smartwatch comes with. That’s why Apple Watch is a better buy for iPhone users, but Android Wear smartwatches can be a little cheaper.
However, some of Samsung’s smartwatches, including the new Gear S2, run on the Tizen operating system and not on Android Wear, which is not compatible with iOS, but that could change soon.
By SamMobileSamsung is working on an app for iOS called Gear Manager that will allow Gear S2 to work on iPhone.
But still, what makes the Gear S2 so special? For starters (and already mentioned), it runs on Tizen, not Android Wear, so it’s a bit unique in that respect, but perhaps the greatest thing about the Gear S2 is that it’s Samsung’s first circular smartwatch, so it’s actually make it look like a traditional watch. watch and not a small computer strapped to your wrist.
Also, the entire frame is rotatable and acts as a navigation wheel to access apps and other features. Sure, many traditional watches have a rotating bezel, but it’s not every day you see one in a smartwatch.
Other notable circular smartwatches include the Moto 360 and Huawei Watch, but there aren’t many watches to choose from, so the Gear S2 is definitely part of a very small and exclusive club so far.
Unfortunately, we don’t know any other details other than that Samsung is working on an iOS app for the Gear S2 smartwatch. It’s unknown if the app will work with Samsung’s other Tizen-based smartwatches, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the app supported them.
Another question is how well the Gear S2 will work with the iPhone. Currently, Android Wear smartwatches are not that functional on the iPhone, and the experience may leave you wanting more, especially since you can really only view and dismiss notifications.
The Apple Watch is the smartwatch to get for iPhone users due to its seamless integration with iOS and iPhone, and Android Wear is not integrated when initially connected to an iPhone.
For the most part, an Android Wear device on the iPhone is nothing more than a glorious watch that you wear on your wrist. That said, it’s a good idea not to expect that much from a non-Apple smartwatch when using it on an iPhone.
In any case, if Samsung is really working on Gear S2 support for the iPhone, if it wants to compete with the Apple Watch, it might be best to hurry as soon as possible, especially with the holidays coming fast.
