The keen army of app developers will soon be able to create native tools for the Apple Watch, the company confirmed on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Code Conference, Apple’s Jeff Williams revealed Cupertino will next week release a preview of a new Watch OS software development kit, which will lessen the watch’s reliance on modified iPhone apps.
At the moment, developers are only able to create Apple Watch apps through existing iPhone apps; which allows the functionality to be displayed on the watch. That will all change with the new SDK, which arrives in full later this year, Williams said.
Not only will developers be able to build apps and games specifically for the Watch, they’ll also get direct access to all of the wearable’s sensors.
Williams, Apple’s increasingly vocal SVP of operations, said: “
so that developers will be able to write code natively and have access
to sensors, and we’re really excited about that
“I’m a cyclist who uses Strava, so it will have access to the sensor.”
The new SDK should make lives easier for developers and more interesting for consumers looking for smoother integration with the Apple Watch.
Read more: Best Apple Watch apps to download for
Apple’s annual conference may also see the company reveal the sales figures for the Watch. It is yet to reveal any details, amid prolonged stock shortages, but that may change at WWDC, where the company loves to kick off its keynotes by championing its triumphs.
Williams remained coy when quizzed on the subject, simply saying Apple has sold “a lot.”
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.