Samsung launched its new wearables — the Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro — in late August with the promise that both devices would be compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. Unfortunately, there’s still a hold-up on the fitness tracker’s support for iOS handsets.
According to SamMobile, the Gear Fit2 Pro is still not compatible with any iPhone up to now because Apple has yet to approve the app that would allow iOS users to pair their phone with the wearable. It’s already been more than two weeks since the fitness tracker became available on the market, so owners are now expressing their disappointment over the fact that they still can’t use the Gear Fit2 Pro with their iPhone. Many have since voiced out their dismay via Samsung’s online forums.
A moderator for Samsung’s online forums has reportedly pointed out that the problem sprang from the fact that Apple has yet to approve the iOS app for the Gear Fit2 Pro. For some reason though, the moderator’s message was removed. Nevertheless, the since-deleted message already gave consumers a clear idea on the reason why the fitness tracker is still not compatible with the iPhone.
Apple is known to have stringent policies when it comes to app approval for the App Store. Some surmise that the delayed approval for the Gear Fit app may be due to certain software issues. There are also speculations pointing at the fact that Apple’s stalling the approval because the Gear Fit2 Pro is a rival of its smartwatches. Whatever may be the reason, it is now a given that it would take some time before the Gear Fit app gets published. After all, it took nearly a year before Samsung’s Gear S2, S3 and Gear Fit 2 became compatible with iOS, as per PhoneArena.
Aside from the delay in iOS support, there is also another reason that could discourage iPhone users from purchasing the Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro. Apple’s mobile operating system apparently puts a lot of limitations on the features and functionality of Samsung wearables. So for consumers who want to make the most out of the new Gear Fit2 Pro or the Gear Sport, the best option is to own an Android smartphone. Not only would this allow them to access all of the features of the fitness devices, it would also spare them from having to wait for compatibility support.
The Gear Fit2 Pro is being marketed by Samsung as an advanced GPS fitness band. The device has swim and heart rate monitoring capabilities, and it features an advanced GPS tracking system that lets users record accurate run or ride activities. The band has a 1.5-inch curved Super AMOLED display that shows all real-time updates and notifications.
For consumers who want a more heavy-duty wearable, Samsung is offering the Gear Sport smartwatch. The device is designed to have military-level durability, so it can withstand a wide range of environments. It is said to have the industry-leading water resistance and swim tracking, as well as top-of-the-line heart rate monitoring. Unlike the Gear Fit2 Pro, the Gear Sport has a 1.2-inch circular Super AMOLED display.
Samsung’s Gear Fit2 Pro still lacks support for iOS devices.