Apple announced that all new third-party Watch apps for the App Store should run without the help of an iPhone.
The publication Engadget reports that Apple will not approve non-native apps for the App Store starting June 1. The high-tech giant rules that all new third-party Watch apps should run without an iPhone nearby.
Apple mandates in a blog post that all applications submitted for App Store approval after June 1 have to be native apps running watchOS 2 or later versions. This is good news for users of Apple wearable tech during a workout or run where carrying an iPhone is not so convenient.
Market experts believe that measure will result in third-party developers designing higher quality applications for the Apple Watch, according to the same publication. The new native apps running watchOS 2 will be pushed to make full use of the device and its capabilities.
iPhone and Apple Watch will soon be going their separate ways, after the June 1 deadline given by Apple to third-party developers of Apple Watch apps. CNET reports that the watchOS 2 was unveiled by Apple in October. The upgraded operating system added more Wi-Fi support that already made it possible to issue voice commands, make calls and run apps without the need for an iPhone nearby.
The new rule imposed by Apple means that starting in June new App Store apps will have to run newer operating systems that provide more Wi-Fi support. This way, users of the Apple Watch will enjoy a better and faster app experience on the Apple Watch.
Last month, with watchOS 2.2, the high-tech giant released some incremental updates. Tech analysts expect that Apple could also unveil new improvements and features to the watchOS at its WWDC developers conference, scheduled to start on June 13.
It is also possible that sometime this year Apple will launch a second generation of its Apple Watch. The first generation of the Apple Watch began shipping on April 24 last year, so the new watchOS 2 requirement comes as the gadget celebrates its first birthday.
