With only a month left for Apple’s WWDC 2023 event, all eyes are eagerly anticipating the possible unveiling of the iOS 17.
There are numerous speculations about Apple redesigning the user interface of its wearable devices and introducing new functionalities.
Recently, a tweet from @analyst941 has caught everyone’s attention, suggesting that Apple may add the capability of pairing the Apple Watch with multiple devices such as iPads and Macs.
Ability to Connect Apple Watch to Various Devices
Since its establishment in 2014, Apple has limited the capability of its smartwatches to connect with multiple devices like iPhones.
This meant that users of the Apple Watch had to either acquire an iPhone or borrow one in order to set up their smartwatch, as the watch couldn’t be connected to any other smartphone.
After pairing an Apple Watch to an iPhone as a primary device, users can synchronize their fitness data to the cloud connected to their Apple accounts and use the watch to unlock their Mac.
Although the tweet implies that Apple will introduce the option to pair and synchronize the Apple Watch with multiple devices, there is no information available yet on how and when this feature will be available to the general public.
Why Does Apple Doesn’t Allow to Connect to Different Phones?
Apple has cited privacy as the reason for limiting the Apple Watch’s compatibility to only iOS devices, but there may be other unmentioned reasons such as exclusivity.
From a broader perspective, it could be viewed as a standard business strategy of cross-selling and upselling.
By restricting the watch’s pairing capability to only iPhones, it can boost iPhone sales.
If the Apple Watch were compatible with Android smartphones, people would not be required to purchase an iPhone, which could negatively impact Apple’s profits.
Apple is not the first company to restrict certain features to their proprietary devices.
For instance, BBM, the famous Blackberry messenger, was initially only available on Blackberry phones, although it eventually became available on other devices.
Similarly, iMessage is exclusively available on Apple devices to maintain the premium tag associated with iPhones.
It’s a strategy to nurture their ecosystem running on iOS and MacOS with devices such as iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, iMac, MacBooks, etc., and encourage people to purchase them.
By making features iOS specific or iPhone-based only, Apple can enhance device sales and maintain their premium brand image.
