Apple Watch made headlines last Apple's press event. Analysts predict that it should be a game changer for Apple with recent information suggesting it can run third-party apps.
A report from 9to5Mac, which came out a day before Apple's IFA 2014 event, says the Apple Watch - more commonly referred to as the iWatch before Apple's event - will have support for third-party apps. Additionally, the report states that select big developers have already been seeded with the pre-release SDK (Software Developer's Kit) for the said device.
Developers Remain Undisclosed, But Facebook Leaked
The Inquirer and NDTV Gadgets are only two of the various blogs and news outlets that quote the 9to5Mac report. Apple is said to have distributed Apple SDK for Wearables to select high-profile app developers, citing sources close to Apple. The SDK is said to include the iOS 8's Extensions, Healthkit, and Homekit APIs.
The developers are said to have received the developer's kit "under strict non-disclosure agreements," which explains why the apps expected to appear in the Apple Watch have not been named. However, Facebook has been leaked by the source as one of the developers to have received the SDK. NDTV Gadgets points out that Facebook is currently working on refining their app for the iOS 8, with The Inquirer noting that they are currently improving on notifications and widget support for Apple's Notification Center.
2015 Release In Line with Third Party App Development
Tim Cook announced at their IFA 2014 event that the Apple Watch won't be making its debut in the market until early 2015. 9to5Mac says this gives developers enough time to build and refine their app for the smartwatch.
Apple's pre-release SDK was reported by 9to5Mac to have been distributed earlier in hopes that Apple could show early versions of third-party apps in the Apple Watch during their keynote. However, reports from the event, such as one published by Tech Radar, do not include any information on third party apps that were shown in the IFA 2014.
9to5Mac also notes that it is still unclear if Apple will create a dedicated App Store for Apple Watch, or if they will make a special section under the iPhone App Store. Apple enthusiasts may have to wait until the smartwatch's release in 2015 for more details.
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