The article discusses the impact of Apple opening up iOS interoperability for smartwatches, allowing third-party devices to send quick replies.
In the past, smartwatches were categorized based on compatibility with iOS or Android, with Apple Watches being superior due to their seamless integration with Apple devices.
The European Commission's order for Apple to allow third-party smartwatch makers to display and interact with iOS notifications is considered a positive development by many.
While Apple argues that this decision hinders innovation, the smartwatch market has seen limited advancements in recent years, with companies sticking to familiar designs.
The current lack of innovation in smartwatches has led to more interest in other wearable tech like smart rings and smart glasses.
The article highlights the limitations of ecosystem lock-in, where users are often tied to a specific brand based on their phone's operating system.
The move by the EU is seen as a positive step towards allowing consumers to choose the best smartwatch for their needs, regardless of their smartphone.
While ecosystem convenience is valued, the article argues that true competition in the smartwatch market can lead to better products for consumers.
Consumers should have the freedom to choose how they use products, as demonstrated by the example of Powerbeats Pro 2 offering more flexibility on Android compared to iOS.
Overall, the article promotes the idea that opening iOS to third-party smartwatch makers can foster innovation and benefit consumers in selecting the most suitable device for their preferences.