Android Wear is a flexible platform for wearables that works great with Android smartphones. It is not, however, limited to compatibility with other Android devices; some Android Wear devices are also compatible with iOS. Pairing an Android Wear device with an iPhone offers a slightly more limited experience than using it with a smartphone running Android, but it does provide most of the same basic functionality, giving iPhone users other options to choose from other than Apple’s own Apple Watch. Unfortunately, a recent bug has caused Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 7, to experience problems when attempting to connect to an Android Wear device.
The issue appears to be a problem with Bluetooth pairing for certain devices, which include the Aus ZenWatch 2, Moto 360 2nd Gen, Moto 360 Sport, TAG Heuer Connected, and Fossil Q Founder. There is a relatively simple solution to the problem, however. If you happen to own an iPhone 7 and can’t connect to your Android Wear smartwatch, updating to iOS 10.1 should resolve the issue. Per a statement posted by Google on its Android Wear forum, they have been working with Apple to address the issue, and they go on to confirm that it has been resolved in the latest update to iOS. To update your iPhone 7 to the latest iOS version, under “Settings” find the section called “General,” and tap “Software Update,” then follow the prompts to finish the update process. It may take some time to complete, so it would be a good idea to install the update during a time where you can be without your phone for a little while.
While smartwatches have not yet been widely adopted by the public, they have begun to gain popularity in recent months with the release of some appealing new designs. Android Wear 2.0 is expected to be released soon and will bring a range of new features to Android Wear smartwatches, such as improvements to Google Fit, the ability for Android Wear apps to connect to the internet over Wi-Fi, and support for standalone apps that work independently from the watch’s paired smartphone. As wearable technology continues to develop, smartwatches will likely become a more common tool for the average consumer by offering more natural ways of viewing and interacting with notifications and performing basic tasks.