While there are several smartwatches available with proprietary software, the dominant platforms are Google Wear OS (formerly Android Wear) and Apple watchOS. These operating systems offer different functionality, personalization, and feedback to their respective devices. We compared the two to help you decide which is best for you.
Android Wear VS Apple Watch: Software Comparison
The wearable OS you choose largely depends on the type of phone you use. WatchOS is designed to work only with Apple iPhones. Wear OS works with both iPhones and Android devices, but loses some functionality when paired with an Apple device.
Smartwatches pair with your phone via Bluetooth to bring notifications and other functionality to the watch screen. This only works if the devices are compatible.
If you have an Android device, choose a smartwatch with Google Wear OS to enjoy the benefits of Google notifications at a glance on your wrist. If you have an Apple phone, you can use Wear OS, but you won’t get full connectivity to your apps. And if you’re considering the Apple Watch, it only makes sense if you have an iPhone (version 5 and later).
