Apple Watch update: Apple requires apps to work without an iPhone
Apple announced a new rule for Apple Watch on Friday. The upcoming requirement, which will take effect in June, will affect all new software developed for the Apple Watch.
The company will soon require third-party developers to submit native apps built with its latest watchOS 2 software development kit. That is, developers must ensure that their new apps will be built for the recent version of the Apple Watch software. The company will begin enforcing the new requirement starting June 1.
"Starting June 1, 2016, all new watchOS apps submitted to theApp Store must be native apps built with the watchOS 2 SDK or later," Apple told third-party developers in a blog post at its developer website.
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This means all new apps should no longer need an iPhone to access the Internet over Wi-Fi. Apple added Wi-Fi support to its Watch with the upgraded operating system when the Apple watchOS 2 debuted in October.
The upcoming requirement will serve dual purposes. Through it, Apple aims to address complaints about sluggish apps. The company will also use the new rule to push for the advancement of its wearable platform. Native apps will eliminate the transfer of data back and forth from an iPhone. In this way, users will encounter fewer or minimal load times, leading to an improved user experience overall.
The Apple watchOS 2 received more updates last month. Apple added some new features, like adding multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone, in addition to minor bug fixes and performance improvements. The new requirement comes just in time for Apple Watch's first anniversary. Apple started shipping the wearable on April 24 last year.
Apple could also introduce more new features and improvements to the Apple Watch's OS at the WWDC developers conference, according to CNET. The conference, starts on June 13 this year.
