Cupertino is about to crack down on non-native Apple Watch apps.
The company posted a new requirement on its developer site that says that in the near future, all new apps must run natively on the device and originate in the watchOS 2 development kit. This new policy could finally get us some Apple Watch apps that work as well as we’d like them to.
You know, instead of some of the ones we have no, which kind of don’t.
“Starting June 1, 2016, all new watchOS apps submitted to the App Store must be native apps built with the watchOS 2 SDK or later,” Apple says in the note. It then links to the watchOS page for developers.
Since the new rule only affects “new” Apple Watch apps, we assume that all of the ones we’re currently using will just continue on as usual. But the smartwatch’s new offerings might be faster and able to perform all of their functions without a wireless tether to a paired iPhone.
Apple first made native watchOS apps possible in version 2.0 of the operating system, which launched six months ago. The company also made the device’s full set of features available to developers, including the accelerometer, heart rate sensor, microphone/speaker, vibration, Digital Crown, and third-party complications that allow users to get quick glances at app information directly from their watch faces.
We don’t know if the new rule is meant to encourage developers to actually start using those tools or to just make the software more useful and powerful in general. But if we wanted to work in some crazy talk here, the most interesting implication could be a standalone Watch App Store, even if it just means a dedicated section in the existing storefront.
And we definitely wouldn’t turn that down, since finding Apple Watch apps is almost as hard as actually using some of them.
Via: AppleInsider
Evan Killham is a freelance writer who lives in Nebraska and isn’t interested in football, so he has plenty of time to play and think about video games. He has written for Bitmob and GamesBeat and sometimes, he even goes outside. But not too often because he’s heard there are bees out there. Occasionally, companies send free units for review. Evan subscribes to Cult of Mac’s Reviews Policy and also does not keep the items he receives for possible coverage.
3 responses to “New rule for Apple Watch apps could end lag”
It’s about time! I had such expectation that much of the apps would become native once Apple made WatchOS 2 available, but I know now I was dreaming! For quite a few apps the delay is unbearable!
I don’t really care about apps on my watch, they’re just too slow and still very bug filled. The hardware itself is just too slow.
However, it’s perfect for a fitness tracker and notification manager and music remote. Otherwise, I don’t use anything else on the watch.
I think this future requirement is a good indication that a new and more powerful watch will be presented at WWDC or along with iPhone 7.
Personally, I also hope the watch comes with 4G capability, so I can leave my phone at home when I go out drinking, but still stay in contact with friends, get an Uber, etc. without worrying about losing my phone, because a stripper asked me to remove it from my pocket so it doesn’t bruise her…Err, I digress!
Very unlikely, but I also hope it comes with a smart connector where the wristband connects to allow the connection of a wristband with a camera located directly under the wrist and a wristband that contains a flexible battery located within for charging (apparently Apple is not too keen on charging taking place so close to skin, but whatever).
However, it would be really brilliant if Apple developed a thermal scavenger small enough to fit inside the watch (or even band) to help recharge the watch battery via our body heat! I think that would get genuine applause. But more importantly, as thermal to electricity converters get smaller and more efficient, so can the battery, and so can the overall thickness of the watch! Plus, it will finally make having a fever not a total drain! And yes, the technology exists and is being further developed by MIT with the idea of charging phones while in the pocket.