7 Reasons Why Apple Watches Are More Popular Than Android Watches
Credit: Tom's Guide
Apple iPhone owners are more than twice as likely to own a smartwatch than Android owners, according to a new report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners. But why is this the case?
While not all iPhone owners have a smartwatch (a fact that CIRP even notes in the study), there are plenty of interesting reasons why an Apple user might opt for a smartwatch when an Android user might not. Continue reading to learn 7 Reasons Why iPhone Owners Wear Smartwatches More Than Android Users.
Recognition
The Apple Watch isn’t just the most popular smartwatch on the market — it’s actually the most popular watch in general.
That popularity gives the Apple Watch platform a much better position when it comes to marketing and recognition.
For many people, the very words ”Apple Watch” are likely synonymous with smartwatches in general.
Health & Safety
Speaking of recognition, there’s a good chance that you’re familiar with the fact that the Apple Watch can save your life. Whether it’s the SOS feature, the electrocardiogram (ECG), the excellent fitness tracking or Fall Detection, the Apple Watch has a variety of health and safety features baked right in.
While various smartwatches and fitness trackers may have some mixture of those features, it isn’t easy to find an exact analog that has all of them on the Android side. Because of that, Apple Watches may be a better fit for users who want a good ecosystem and excellent health features.
watchOS
When it comes to looking at why the Apple Watch reigns supreme among smartwatches, you can’t overlook the operating system. While watchOS may not be perfect, it’s almost certainly objectively better than the Android-based alternatives.
It’s really gotten to the point where even Android users and fans are noting the “sad state” of Google’s own Wear OS (formally known as Android Wear but rebranded in 2018). While there may be more wear OS options than Apple Watch models, if the OS isn’t any good, then the hardware isn’t going to matter as much.
Ecosystem
In addition to the OS, it’s also really hard to exaggerate just how well the Apple Watch integrates into Apple’s larger ecosystem. According to many users, the Apple Watch feels much more like an extension of their iPhone rather than a standalone device. For a device that’s really an accessory to a smartphone, that bodes well.
But with Apple products, it doesn’t end there. If you also have a MacBook, you can unlock your computer or approve security requests without typing in a password or authenticating with a fingerprint. watchOS also integrates incredibly well with Apple Music, Siri and Apple’s other software features.
Price
While you can make generalizations about the kind of people who buy iPhones versus the kind who buy Androids, they're usually not fair. But, objectively, there does tend to be a price disparity between iPhones and Android devices.
Apple products aren’t cheap. If a user can fork over the money for a $1,000 handset, there’s a good chance that they’re also able to pay $400 for a smartwatch. Android devices are much more diverse in price, which means they’re more attractive to budget-minded consumers who may not be able to justify buying a smartwatch.
Lack of Fragmentation
Another reason why iPhone users are more likely to opt for a smartwatch than Android users: fragmentation. Apple makes the hardware and software for both the iPhone and Apple Watch. Android devices, on the other hand, are made by a slew of different manufacturers.
That largely means that the Apple Watch is really the only real choice for iPhone owners. There’s just no comparison on the Android side. Do you opt for a Wear OS device? Maybe if you’re a Google Pixel owner. But if you own a Samsung device, the better option may be a Samsung smartwatch — which actually runs a completely different operating system.
Style
The Apple ecosystem is a premium device lineup that is undoubtedly minimal and stylish. That goes doubly for the Apple Watch, which is maybe the first Apple device to actually be a true “fashion accessory.”
That translates to partnerships with firms like Nike or Hermes. It also means well-designed, first-party accessories made by Apple. But the popularity of the Apple Watch also means that the market is pretty much flooded with third-party accessories. And undoubtedly a lot more options than you’d be able to find for other devices.