Samsung's new Galaxy Watch 4 models are not iOS compatible
Samsung is looking to create some space -- and perhaps an air of platform exclusivity -- between its products and those marketed by Apple, with the Korean tech giant ditching iOS compatibility on a pair of recently announced Galaxy Watch models.
Announced on Wednesday, the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic both run Wear OS, Google's revamped wearables operating system that was developed in cooperation with Samsung.
As noted by ArsTechnica, the latest Wear OS devices, or at least Galaxy Watch 4 models, are not compatible with iOS, meaning potential buyers are unable to pair the device with a host iPhone. Samsung informed the outlet that older Galaxy Watches would retain compatibility.
Apple's iOS is not the only operating system to miss out on Galaxy Watch 4, with Samsung stipulating that the wearable can only be used with handsets running Android 6.0 or above.
One of the first Samsung watches to boast iOS compatibility was 2016's Gear 2 smartwatch. That device, and subsequent successor models, run Samsung's Tizen operating system.
Whether iOS will be unavailable to all Wear OS devices, including potential future Samsung models, remains unclear. In any case, the selection of iOS-compatible smartwatches outside of Apple's own Apple Watch grows increasingly thin.
Along with Galaxy Watch 4, Samsung at Wednesday's event launched a pair of foldable handsets in the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Both smartphones are positioned to nibble at Apple's marketshare ahead of an expected "iPhone 13" revamp this fall.
Read on AppleInsider
Announced on Wednesday, the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic both run Wear OS, Google's revamped wearables operating system that was developed in cooperation with Samsung.
As noted by ArsTechnica, the latest Wear OS devices, or at least Galaxy Watch 4 models, are not compatible with iOS, meaning potential buyers are unable to pair the device with a host iPhone. Samsung informed the outlet that older Galaxy Watches would retain compatibility.
Apple's iOS is not the only operating system to miss out on Galaxy Watch 4, with Samsung stipulating that the wearable can only be used with handsets running Android 6.0 or above.
One of the first Samsung watches to boast iOS compatibility was 2016's Gear 2 smartwatch. That device, and subsequent successor models, run Samsung's Tizen operating system.
Whether iOS will be unavailable to all Wear OS devices, including potential future Samsung models, remains unclear. In any case, the selection of iOS-compatible smartwatches outside of Apple's own Apple Watch grows increasingly thin.
Along with Galaxy Watch 4, Samsung at Wednesday's event launched a pair of foldable handsets in the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Both smartphones are positioned to nibble at Apple's marketshare ahead of an expected "iPhone 13" revamp this fall.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
well that's too bad for Samsung. Why can't they have the automaton buyers Apple has ("if iwatch 'we' would all be falling over"). "We" will just scoop up any old thing while
Samsung is out there doing the lord's work putting out the best of the best. There's just no justice. (thick sarcasm intended).
Someone who has an iPhone not getting the Apple Watch (except for specific highly involved training, outdoors and the like) is whistling past the graveyard. I helped my friend with her Samsung watch (she has a Galaxy). Very nice display, not putting down the device, but side by side operation to an Apple Watch? With what you can do as an iPhone user almost right out of the box with an Apple Watch? It was just no comparison. The single roof engineering providing the interoperating eco really comes through on the Apple Watch.
With that said, I know Google partnered with Samsung on this one. Maybe that allowed them to step it up. But what so many (most of them non iPhone users) never seem to get is that it isn't just a standalone device. Apple sells the interoperation of the parts. And from that stand point it is almost impossible for disparate companies to recreate the kind of interoperation.
If they go their own way then they're free to follow their own path and make the whole Watch/Phone ecosystem what they want it to be.
The only problem is, I'm not sure if Samsung knows what path they want to follow unless they have Apple to show them the way.
However, the folding phones thing is evidence of divergence, whether it's a good idea or not, so let's see what they do.
They keep their privacy stuff in one place by the looks of it. Concerning your specific question:
(I added the highlight)
Which, if I'm reading this correctly, means they can send it pretty much anywhere. Now, this is unusual, because most services keep your data on servers in the country where you signed up. For the EEA, they say they will take appropriate measures to ensure your data remains protected while when it's transferred outside the EEA. That sounds very woolly to me.
Apple Watch may be more usable elsewhere but the top of the mountain is having an iPhone with the AWatch. Other than specific triathletes and similar prolonged training sessions, I think someone is just not thinking it through if they have an iPhone -- then buy a smart watch that isn't Apple.