There are smartwatches with apps and those without. Not all smartwatches are created equal. And the smartwatches with apps can usually do a lot more.
One of the most useful features is when a smartwatch supports proprietary apps. Just like mobile devices and smartphones, this means you can install apps on your watch.
This is not the same as the apps that are installed on a phone to communicate with a smartwatch.
There are a few models that do not support apps. Either they weren’t designed with the functionality or they wouldn’t benefit – like fitness trackers.
Since there is such a long list of smartwatches it can be difficult picking out the ideal device. More importantly, it can be difficult finding a model that does have its own apps.
Among the list of those that do, there are only a handful that have their own native app store. So users must download and install third party apps from external sources.
To help we put together a list of smartwatches that support mobile apps.
We’ll start with some of the more obvious models, and then move on to the ones you may not know.
Smartwatches with Apps: Pebble Watches
Some of the most renowned smartwatches on the market are the Pebble models. There’s the original Pebble, the Pebble Steel, Pebble Time, and Pebble Time Round. There’s even a model designed specifically for women – it’s meant to fit smaller wrists.
All Pebble smartwatches support third party apps and native ones.
Pebble recently launched their app market on iOS, with an Android version soon to follow. What it means is Pebble owners have access to an app marketplace – it’s great if you don’t know how to sideload them.
Of course, you can still go to Mypebblefaces for custom watchfaces and independent content.
Pebble users have the best of both worlds, because they can install content from any source. The only downside is the Pebble watches do not have a lot of storage, so you’re limited by how much you can install.
Smartwatches with Apps: Sony SmartWatch Series
All three of Sony’s smartwatches support apps. Sony actually offers an SDK kit for devs called the Sony “add-on SDK”.
Developers can create “extensions” and apps for several of Sony’s devices with the kit.
This is good news for Sony SmartWatch owners, because it means you have access to more apps.
It is worth noting you will need to have a smartphone to install apps on Sony’s two older smartwatches – SmartWatch and SmartWatch 2.
The apps can be sideloaded or installed with the Sony SmartWatch app – available on Google Play.
The Sony SmartWatch 3 is running Android Wear, so the install process is different. You can download and install apps from the Google Play store right to it.
Samsung Galaxy Gear Series
The Samsung Galaxy Gear can run apps, and so can most other Gear watches – like the Gear Fit, Gear Classic, and more.
Resourceful Gear owners have gained root on their watch and sideloaded full Android apps. Don’t worry, if tinkering is not your forte you can download apps via a Samsung app marketplace.
The older Galaxy watches are only compatible with Samsung smartphones. The newer variants of Samsung’s Gear series are compatible with a larger variety of devices.
If you like the Gear but want to use it with an Android or iOS device other than a Samsung, you have to buy a newer model.
Qualcomm Toq
The Qualcomm Toq is one of many smartwatches that has an SDK available. Like Sony’s smartwatches, Toq owners have access to a variety of independently developed apps.
Toq apps are installed the same way as other devices; through a companion app or sideloaded.
The Toq is difficult to find now because it’s an older device, so keep that in mind.
i’m Watch
This oddly named smartwatch is running a custom skinned version of Android – what many enthusiasts like to call a forked version.
Like its Android brethren it supports mobile apps, which can be downloaded and installed from a marketplace called i’market. In case you’re curious, the i’market is just like Google Play or Pebble’s new app marketplace.
Agent Smartwatch
The Agent launched alongside a full-featured set of developer tools. The Agent is capable of running some great apps.
The apps are created in C# using Microsoft Visual Studio, so the apps have the potential to be quite powerful.
The screen is like the Pebble’s using an e-paper style. And like Pebble, the Agent was funded via Kickstarter.
Sonostar Smartwatch
The Sonostar smartwatch supports apps just like the rest of the models on this list.
You can browse apps for it on Google Play or the App store and install them with a connected smartphone.
With the Sonostar you don’t have to bother with third-party marketplaces and sideloading. The downside is there are fewer apps available for this device than say something like the Pebble.
Android Powered Smartwatches with Apps
A smartwatch running the Android OS can run apps designed for the same platform.
Instead of offering a single entry for each of these devices we’re just going to list them below, because there are so many.
- Omate TrueSmart
- Androidly
- Geak Watch
- inWatch One
- Neptune Pine
- EmoPulse Smile
Android Wear Smartwatches with Apps
There are now a variety of Android Wear smartwatches – Google’s wearable platform. Naturally, they all support apps.
- Huawei Watch
- CASIO Smart Outdoor Watch
- Fossil Q
- ASUS ZenWatch 1 and 2
- Moto 360 and Moto 360 2nd Gen
- LG G Watch and LG G Watch R
- LG Watch Urbane and LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition
- Samsung Gear Live
- Sony SmartWatch 3
- Polar M600
- Tag Heuer Connected
- New Balance Smartwatch
The next decade is gearing up to be a very busy time for smartwatches with apps, so you can be sure this list will be updated.
We’ll add new information as necessary when more watches hit the market. In the meantime, have you noticed any models we missed or left out? Feel free to leave a shout out in the comments below.