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Apple engineers explored the possibility of making the Apple Watch compatible with Android phones, alongside the development of the Health app for the Android platform, reports Bloomberg. It was called the Project Fennel. However, just as the project was nearing completion, Apple abruptly canceled it, citing “business considerations.”
On the other hand, in recent years, the Android smartwatch market has witnessed significant improvements. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Google Pixel Watch 2 offer all-day battery life and comprehensive health tracking features.
However, even the most advanced Android smartwatches pale in comparison to the Apple Watch in health tracking. Significant in context, Apple apparently has even more big goals regarding health-related features for next year. It undoubtedly stands as the gold standard for fitness tracking in the iPhone world.
Nonetheless, the plan to bring the benefits to people with Android devices was close to the situation where I could say smartphone world. Unfortunately, Apple Watch, yet another Apple product, remains exclusive to the Cupertino giant’s ecosystem.
Before Apple Watch, they did the same thing with iMessage
It’s not the first instance where Apple contemplated extending its ecosystem to Android users, and eventually dropped the plan. In 2013, a senior Apple executive proposed bringing iMessage to Android, with Eddy Cue, the current SVP of services at Apple. They created a dedicated team to work on this project. However, it contradicted Apple’s strategy of creating an ecosystem lock-in for its users and driving iOS device sales. So the concept of bringing iMessage to Android phones was later rejected.
At present, the only way for Android users to experience some Apple Watch features is by purchasing the LTE variant. This enables users to utilize health-tracking features and standalone apps. But it remains disconnected from Android devices, causing users to miss out on notifications.
Android smartwatches these days boast advanced sensors and hardware. However, they still fall short in delivering the superior user experience that the Apple Watch offers. It’s due to the lack of intricacies in the software level, which Apple was planning to bring in Android. Apple’s Health app is particularly renowned for its efficient data analysis and presentation of essential health metrics and trends, potentially offering life-saving insights.
But sadly Apple considered cancelling the project keeping all the accurate results and notifications regarding concerning health conditions locked inside their iPhones.