Android Wear Smartwatches Will Now Work With iPhones

Google has announced that it is making its Android Wear operating system, used in many of the world’s leading wearable devices, open to work with Apple’s iPhones.

This means that any device running Android Wear will now be able to sync up with an Apple device for increased interoperability, and (Google hopes) more sales.

So from now on, Android Wear users will now be able to see notifications from their iPhone on their wearable device, meaning alerts for text messages, fitness apps and social media updates can now all be viewed with a look at the wrist.

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Also included in the update is the ‘OK Google’ voice-activated personal assistant, which can provide information on user questions, as well as providing tips on when to leave for appointments, flight times, and traffic status.

Google says that Android Wear for iOS is already compatible with the likes of the LG Watch Urbane, and that ‘all future Android Wear watches’, including those from Huawei, Asus, and Motorola will also support iOS.

Android Wear for iOS is now available for iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus devices running iOS 8.2+ , and can be downloaded on the App Store now.

Figures released earlier this year showed that Apple sold 4.2m units of the Apple Watch in the second quarter of 2015, and Google will be hoping that the new tie-up will help iPhone users undecided on wearables to plump for an Android Wear device.

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