The smartwatch market is dominated by two major operating systems: watchOS, developed by Apple, and Wear OS, created by Google. These platforms power some of the most popular smartwatches available today, but they differ in significant ways. Whether you're considering an Apple Watch or a Wear OS-powered smartwatch, understanding the key features and differences between these systems can help you make an informed decision.
1. User interface and experience
- watchOS: Apple’s watchOS offers a polished and intuitive experience, much like iOS on the iPhone. It is designed around simplicity, with an easy-to-navigate home screen, customisable watch faces, and a unique digital crown for smooth scrolling and zooming. The Siri integration, haptic feedback, and widgets like the Smart Stack in watchOS 10 add to its user-friendliness.
- Wear OS: Google’s Wear OS, formerly known as Android Wear, is more flexible in terms of customisation. It offers a tile-based interface and supports gesture navigation. Google Assistant is seamlessly integrated, and users have more freedom to personalise their experience. However, Wear OS can feel less cohesive depending on the watch manufacturer, as different brands like Samsung, Fossil, and Google Pixel Watch implement custom features and interfaces.
2. Compatibility
- watchOS: Exclusively compatible with Apple devices, watchOS requires an iPhone to pair and unlock its full potential. If you are already in the Apple ecosystem, this integration makes it seamless to share data across devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, ensuring a fluid and synchronised experience.
- Wear OS: The major advantage of Wear OS is that it supports both Android and iOS smartphones. However, it works best with Android devices, offering deeper integration with Google apps and services. While Wear OS can pair with iPhones, the features are limited compared to using it with an Android phone.
3. App ecosystem
- watchOS: The Apple App Store for watchOS offers a wide variety of apps that have been specifically designed and optimised for the Apple Watch, from fitness and health apps to messaging and productivity tools. The Apple Watch has consistently been one of the best-selling smartwatches worldwide, dominating the market. As a result, many developers prioritise building apps for watchOS to tap into this large user base.
- Wear OS: The Google Play Store also offers a large collection of apps, but the range and quality of apps can vary depending on the smartwatch brand. However, Wear OS benefits from tight integration with Google’s suite of apps like Google Maps, Google Pay, and Google Fit, making it an attractive option for users who are heavily invested in the Google ecosystem.
4. Health and fitness tracking
- watchOS: Apple Watch is known for its robust health and fitness features. It offers comprehensive tracking for a wide range of activities, heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen levels, and fall detection. Features like the Fitness+ subscription service enhance the fitness experience. Apple’s Health app centralises all this data and integrates with third-party apps like Strava or MyFitnessPal.
- Wear OS: Wear OS also provides excellent fitness tracking, especially on watches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch series, which has advanced health sensors, or watches that support Google Fit. It includes heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and even ECG on select models. Wear OS's flexibility in health tracking allows users to enhance their experience with a wide variety of third-party apps that can tailor features to individual preferences and needs.
5. Battery life
- watchOS: Apple Watches typically offer 18-36 hours of battery life, requiring daily charging for most users. However, Apple has made improvements with power-saving modes in recent versions, like watchOS 10, which can extend battery life by turning off certain features.
- Wear OS: Battery life on Wear OS devices can vary greatly depending on the brand and model. Watches like the TicWatch Pro and Fossil Gen 6 often outperform the Apple Watch in terms of battery life, lasting up to two days with moderate use. Many Wear OS devices come with customisable battery-saving modes to extend life between charges.
6. Customisation and hardware variety
- watchOS: Apple Watch offers a few options in terms of sizes and finishes (like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium), but the design stays uniform across all models. While you can change watch bands, the hardware choices are limited to Apple’s lineup.
- Wear OS: One of Wear OS’ biggest strengths is its hardware variety. Numerous brands like Samsung, Fossil, Mobvoi, and Tag Heuer offer Wear OS-powered smartwatches, each with different designs, sizes, and materials. This diversity allows users to choose a watch that fits their style and needs.
7. Price and availability
- watchOS: Apple Watches, especially the latest models like the Apple Watch Series 10 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, are typically priced higher, reflecting Apple’s premium brand positioning. However, older models like the Apple Watch SE provide a more affordable entry into the watchOS ecosystem.
- Wear OS: Wear OS watches cater to a broader price range, from affordable options like the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 to high-end models like the Montblanc Summit 3. This variety makes it easier for consumers to find a smartwatch that fits their budget.
8. Future updates
- watchOS: Apple’s watchOS is known for receiving regular updates, usually at the same time as iOS updates. This ensures long-term support for Apple Watch users, with new features, security updates, and bug fixes rolled out consistently.
- Wear OS: Google has made significant strides with Wear OS 3 in collaboration with Samsung and other manufacturers. However, updates can be slower and vary depending on the watch brand. While Google is committed to improving Wear OS, some devices may not receive updates as promptly as Apple Watches.
Conclusion: Which should you choose?
- If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem and value seamless integration, consistent updates, and best-in-class health tracking, watchOS is the obvious choice.
- If you prefer variety in hardware, more customisation options, and you use an Android phone, Wear OS may be the better fit. It offers more diversity in price and style while still providing solid features, especially for Android users.
In the end, your choice between watchOS and Wear OS comes down to your preferences, existing tech ecosystem, and how you plan to use your smartwatch. Both platforms have their strengths and unique offerings, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for everyone. Once you have decided, browse CelcomDigi’s online shop to get the best deals for your brand new smartwatch!
