Why Apple’s Restrictions Are Holding Back the Full Potential of New Pebble Smartwatches with iPhone

Pebble Smartwatches Make a Comeback

Two new smartwatches were announced by Eric Migicovsky, the original creator of the Pebble. The watches, called the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, represent a comeback for the beloved brand, which first gained popularity through a Kickstarter campaign before closing in 2016.

These smartwatches run on PebbleOS, the same software that powered earlier models. Interestingly, Pebble’s assets were bought by Fitbit, which then became part of Google. This year, Google opened up PebbleOS, allowing the brand to return.

Like their predecessors, the new Pebble watches work with both iPhone and Android. However, users should be aware of Apple’s restrictions. Migicovsky warns that the new models won’t function as fully as the Apple Watch on iOS devices.

He shared some significant limitations:

• No option to send or reply to messages.
• Lack of inter-app communication affects how well the watch connects with other iOS apps.
• If the iOS app is closed, the watch loses internet access.
• Notifications may not be contextually relevant, as the watch can’t tell if your phone is active.
• Limited options for developers to create apps or watch faces.

Migicovsky expressed frustration with Apple’s App Store policies. He feels that these rules create hurdles for third-party developers. He urges users to be informed about these limitations before making a purchase. "If this concerns you," he suggests, "consider switching to Android for a better experience."

Interestingly, customer reactions on social media have been mixed. While some are excited for the return of Pebble, others share concerns about the functionality, particularly for iPhone users.

Migicovsky has been vocal about his issues with Apple in the past. He once tackled Apple’s restrictions regarding a messaging app called Beeper Mini. In that case, he challenged Apple’s policies, but the features he wanted to implement were blocked.

The Core 2 Duo starts at $149, while the Core Time 2 is priced at $225. They feature an always-on e-paper screen, physical buttons, step and sleep tracking, and impressive battery life of up to 30 days. The Core 2 Duo will begin shipping in July, and Core Time 2 will follow in December.

It’s clear that the revival of Pebble could be seen as a test for how well a classic brand can navigate today’s tech landscape, especially with restrictions from major players like Apple.

For more context on tech regulations and market competition, you can read about Apple’s App Store policies and how they impact developers.

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