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Wear OS: Progress and Challenges in the Smartwatch Market
Wear OS has reached a notable level of competence, particularly with the integration of Wear OS 5 software in devices like the Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch. This evolution positions these smartwatches as legitimate competitors to the Apple Watch. My own experience reflects this shift; I switched from my Apple Watch Ultra to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic before ultimately favoring the Garmin Enduro 3 for daily use.
Despite these advancements, Wear OS faces significant challenges. The platform continues to develop, yet Apple’s ecosystem remains more appealing to software and hardware developers. Recent data from Counterpoint Research indicates that Wear OS is anticipated to command 27% of the smartwatch market share outside of China, a notable increase from previous years. However, this still pales in comparison to Apple’s dominant 49% share.
Although Wear OS is beginning to reclaim some market share from Apple’s watchOS, the value of Apple Watch users for third-party developers cannot be overlooked. An analysis from Asymco in 2023 revealed that iPhone users typically spend around seven times more on apps compared to their Android counterparts. This disparity raises questions about the propensity of Wear OS users to invest in apps and accessories.
While it can’t be definitively assayed how this translates directly to Wear OS, it’s conceivable that Apple Watch owners are more inclined to spend on apps, bands, and other accessories than Wear OS users. This isn’t to undervalue Wear OS users, as the platform has historically attracted a more budget-conscious demographic.
This preference presents a hurdle for Wear OS in attracting developers and designers to create applications tailored for its watches. Though some excellent apps exist for the OS, the overall availability and quality often lag behind watchOS offerings. For instance, the Nike Run Club app, vital for many runners, may receive features exclusive to watchOS, and compatibility issues exist with certain Wear OS devices.
Moreover, the absence of popular apps can be frustrating. For instance, just this month, Tesla revealed that its smartwatch app would only be accessible on watchOS in their upcoming 2024 Holiday Update, neglecting any mention of Wear OS altogether. This omission highlights a broader problem: the lack of consideration given to Wear OS from key players in the tech industry.
In light of this, I resurrected my Apple Watch to try the Tesla app. The app proved to be functional and advantageous, allowing me to control my vehicle directly from my wrist. This capability enhances convenience during activities where users prefer to leave their phones behind.
Interestingly, this app launch coincided with the release of the TinyPod, an Apple Watch case that introduces a scroll wheel reminiscent of old iPods. Such niche accessories emphasize the broad range of options available for Apple Watch users, with Wear OS lacking similar innovations. Few companies, if any, feel motivated to develop unique accessories or applications for Wear OS, as evidenced by Tesla’s current strategies.
For non-Tesla users or those uninterested in retro iPod accessories, the absence of such offerings on Wear OS may not seem particularly dire. However, this situation underscores a persistent limitation: the ecosystem surrounding Wear OS lags significantly behind what Apple provides, whether it be in app diversity or accessory variety.
Looking forward, there is hope for Wear OS as it seeks to become more appealing to developers and designers. If Counterpoint’s projections materialize, Wear OS could increase its market share outside of China by more than 5% in 2024, which may lead to watchOS dipping below the 50% threshold for the first time in years.
Such achievements would be commendable, and Wear OS enthusiasts can only hope that with growth comes an accompanying influx of robust applications and accessories to enrich the platform further.
Source
www.androidcentral.com