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Apple Watch Research Technology

Developers shunning Apple Watch due to lack of independent apps

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By John Glenday, Reporter

May 31, 2016 | 2 min read

The Apple Watches’ failure to set the heather alight since launch has filtered through to a decidedly tepid uptake from app developers with the ratio of iOS to Watch apps currently running at a 1,000 to one.

According to mobile database Realm, actively used by some 100,000 app developers, the Apple Watch has suffered a dive in interest following a brief burst of excitement at launch with many now bracketing the gizmo as a mere companion piece to the iPhone.

This has been fed by a lack of independence in the device, which will only function when tethered to an iPhone.

Realm VP Tim Anglade said: “On a weekly basis we're seeing very few Watch apps, compared to iOS apps. For every 1,000 new iOS apps being built, there are 10 tvOS apps and maybe 1 Watch app.”

Apple’s tvOS has been quietly gaining traction since the release of a fourth generation Apple TV at the end of last year, which included its first dedicated app store.

The Apple Watch isn’t completely dead yet however with rumours of an updated device sporting independent apps ready to be unveiled as early as 13 June.

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