Exclusive: Samsung explains why it dropped iOS support on the Galaxy Watch

‘We could not deliver the same level of experience’

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Samsungunveiled theSamsung Galaxy Watch 6series atSamsung Unpacked 2023– but iPhone users needn’t take any notice.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watches haven’t been compatible with iOS devices since the release of theSamsung Galaxy Watch 4in 2021, when Samsung abandoned its existing Tizen platform in favor of a return to Wear OS on new and future Galaxy Watch models.

You’re still able to pair an iPhone to Tizen-powered Galaxy Watches like theGalaxy Watch 3andGalaxy Watch 2 Active, and other manufacturers – including Montblanc and Fossil – have since proven that Wear OScanbe compatible with iOS devices, which begs the question: why did Samsung suddenly decide to limit the functionality of itsbest smartwatchesto Android devices only?

Well, in an interview with TechRadar at Samsung Unpacked 2023, Samsung’s Director of Global Product Planning, Junho Park, elaborated on the matter: “The goal is: how can we provide the best experience to our customers? We found that some of the heavy limitations [users experienced when using a Galaxy Watch with iOS] were not driven by the Watch [itself], by the core product.

“So we thought, ‘Hey, there is still a lot of disconnection [between these two systems].' That was one of the reasons we dropped [iOS support on Galaxy Watches] – we could not deliver the same level of experience with Android and iOS.”

Analysis: Getting a matching set

Let’s be honest: if you’re looking for a watch to go with your iPhone, chances are you’re looking at thebest Apple Watchmodels, not a Samsung Galaxy Watch.Apple’s goal has always been end-to-end control, with everything Apple working in a seamless ecosystem. While it’s possible to use a Samsung Galaxy Watch anyway, it’s far from an ideal experience.

Park is implying that some of the limitations of the Samsung Galaxy Watch are driven ‘not by the Watch itself’, but while you can use the Galaxy Watch series with any one of thebest Android phones, many of its abilities are locked unless you’re using the Samsung Health app. Samsung has also built its camera software around being able to use the Galaxy Watch as a viewfinder, as you can see above.

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There are lots of examples of features that require both devices to work, so you really need a Samsung Galaxy phone to get the most out of the Galaxy Watch. For tech companies that make both phones and wearables, system-agnostic devices and open-source software are a thing of the past.

In a way, it makes a lot of sense to use a watch specifically designed to pair with your phone, coupled with software that ensures you’ll get the best experience possible out of both devices. However, if you’re really into your fitness and you’re looking for a system-agnostic watch, you can check out ourbest Fitbitandbest Garmin watchlists, which work well with any phone that can download theFitbitapp orGarminConnect.

Axel is TechRadar’s UK-based Phones Editor, reporting on everything from the latest Apple developments to newest AI breakthroughs as part of the site’s Mobile Computing vertical. Having previously written for publications including Esquire and FourFourTwo, Axel is well-versed in the applications of technology beyond the desktop, and his coverage extends from general reporting and analysis to in-depth interviews and opinion. 

Axel studied for a degree in English Literature at the University of Warwick before joining TechRadar in 2020, where he then earned an NCTJ qualification as part of the company’s inaugural digital training scheme.

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