Xiaomi is planning a surprising move that should make the technology world, and Apple in particular, sit up and take notice: The Apple Watch is to be able to work with Android devices in the future. This project could not only shake up the market for smartwatches, but also represent a strategic challenge for Apple.
The most important facts:
- Xiaomi is working on an app that can pair the Apple Watch with Android devices.
- The aim is to break the exclusive link between the Apple Watch and iOS.
- Apple has not yet officially commented on the plans.
- It is unclear whether Apple will take technical or legal measures to block this development.
Apple Watch: Xiaomi’s plans
When it comes to smartwacthes, the Apple Watch is considered the most successful model on the market. The market success of the Apple Watch Series 10 (€ 444.00 *), which was launched in September, makes this clear once again. But the popular smartwatch has a catch. You need an iOS device such as the iPhone 16 (€ 952.20 *) to be able to use it at all.
This could soon change. After all, the Chinese tech company Xiaomi apparently wants to ensure that the smartwatch can also work with Android devices. The corresponding leak, which was published by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, also reveals that other Apple gadgets such as the AirPods (€ 138.00 *) are to be made compatible.
Xiaomi’s approach is based on the development of an app that enables Android users to use basic functions of Apple’s smartwatch. The focus is on features such as notifications, fitness data and possibly limited app interactions. Technically, this would be feasible as the smart watch communicates via Bluetooth, a universal protocol that is not limited to iOS devices.
Will Apple release the Apple Watch?
Xiaomi sees this step as an opportunity to expand its own ecosystem and offer Android users a wider choice of smartwatches. And Apple could also benefit. At the same time, the added compatibility could increase the appeal of the Apple Watch as it would be accessible to a wider audience.
However, Apple’s restrictions could be a major obstacle. So far, the Apple Watch only works in conjunction with iOS, which is due to technical hurdles and deliberately set barriers. If Xiaomi’s solution is indeed successful, Apple could take legal action or use software updates to restrict compatibility again.
Xiaomi also faces the challenge of ensuring a seamless user experience. Third-party apps are often restricted and could cause problems with data transfer or functionality. Now it remains to be seen how much substance the leak really has and what Apple’s reaction will be.
