Apple watch to run full version of iOS, report claims
updated 11:05 am EST, Mon March 4, 2013
Prototypes allegedly seeing serious battery life issues
Apple's upcoming watch will run a complete version of iOS, say sources for The Verge. The alternative is thought to have been scaling up the iPod nano's OS, which is similarly touch-based, but unable to run any apps that aren't pre-installed. Some previous-generation Nanos were explicitly designed to act like watches, including multiple watchface options.
Verge sources say, though, that the decision to use iOS is causing battery problems. While the goal is a device that can last four to five days between charges, current prototypes are allegedly lasting no more than two days. Meanwhile, the iPhone version of iOS reportedly has multiple hooks for connecting to a watch-like device, but not the necessary interface or settings tweaks. It might for instance need a way of ensuring notifications can be pushed to a watch from third-party apps.
The sources back today's Bloomberg report, which among other things says that Apple's lead designer, Jonathan Ive, has had a long-standing interest in watches. The Verge says that Ive is in charge of the project, and has roughly 100 engineers working under him, as has previously been reported.
