Why can’t we be friends? Google wants to bring Android Wear to iOS

By Malarie Gokey Published October 24, 2014

Could an Android Wear smartwatch one day be compatible with an iPhone? Although the odds are against it, there are those who want it to happen. Google often extends an olive branch to Apple by allowing iOS users to access its best apps and services. Apple rarely reciprocates. In fact, it’s made a concerted effort to exile Google apps and services from iOS. Nonetheless, Google keeps trying to spread its gospel to Apple fans through apps. Apparently, it doesn’t want Android Wear to be the exception.

At this point, Android Wear smartwatches are only compatible with Android smartphones. Even though Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, Google wants to reach users who aren’t part of its mobile ecosystem. Wearables are still niche devices, but in a recent interview with the Huffington Post UK, Android Wear product manager Jeff Chang hinted at the possibility of cross-platform support for the wearable OS.

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“We always want as many users as possible to enjoy our experience,” Chang said. “So in terms of enabling more people to use Android Wear we’re very interested in making that happen.”

While he didn’t mention iOS specifically, Chang’s comments most likely refer to the world’s second most popular mobile OS. He added that although cross-platform support for Android Wear would be ideal, it certainly isn’t an easy venture.

“It’s not always completely up to us right? There are technical constraints and API constraints so we are trying really hard,” he said. “We would love to have Android Wear reach as many people as possible, but I’ll just say that it’s not 100 percent under our control.”

Now that Apple plans to release its first wearable in 2015, iOS support of Android Wear seems even less likely than it would have been a few months ago. If iOS is a n0-go, Google could always partner up with Microsoft. Reports indicate that Microsoft’s rumored smartwatch may work with both iOS and Android devices, in addition to Windows Phone-based smartphones.

Former Mobile Editor

As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…

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