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Expect huge Apple Watch app improvements starting this fall

Published May 27th, 2015 2:19PM EDT
Apple Watch Native SDK WWDC 2015

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One of the early criticisms of the Apple Watch has been the performance of third-party apps on the device. However, Apple operations chief Jeff Williams told Re/code on Wednesday revealed that we should start to see some significant improvements on this front later this year because Apple is planning to unveil an Apple Watch SDK at WWDC 2015 next month that will give developers native code to use for their apps and will also give them access to the device’s native sensors, such as the Digital Crown. The plan is to have the SDK come out of preview sometime in the fall, presumably alongside the final version of iOS 9.

DON’T MISS: The single most exciting iOS 9 feature that’s leaked so far

During his talk with Re/code, Williams was also asked about Apple Watch sales figures. While Williams wouldn’t give specific numbers, he did say that Apple “sold a lot, but not enough.” He also said that he’s been surprised by how much people like the device so far because he figured that it would take some getting used to, even among longtime Apple fans.

Finally, Williams estimated that there are about 4,000 third-party Apple Watch apps on the market so far, although he expects that number will obviously improve greatly once the native SDK hits the market.

To read a full live blog of Williams’ interview, check out Re/code’s full post on it here.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.