Wearables are regarded as the next growth area for mobile devices, reshaping how people connect with technology. These new products and features have generated consumer interest, but how will they secure market share and what direction will they take? Citing a TNW report and examining the status of Apple Watch and Android Wear, here are three key predictions for Apple, Android, and other wearable vendors.
Prediction 1: iOS Will Deliver Better Wearable Support Over Time
In an increasingly connected world, consumers want not only high-quality devices but also fast access to them. Apple has gained an early advantage and is working to promote the Apple Watch to iPhone users. Although hardware production cycles are long, Apple has released its most stable iOS to date and is encouraging users to adopt newer, more stable operating systems. To a large extent, Apple can leverage its control over OS upgrades to support this effort.
Prediction 2: Consumers May Embrace Other New Wearable Devices
The Apple Watch is helping consumers accept other new devices, in part because it is the primary product compatible with the latest iPhone models such as the iPhone 6S. As a result, purchases of Apple Watch often coincide with increased sales of compatible iPhone and iPad models. Wearables are only one component of the broader mobile ecosystem. Apple offers a complete platform rather than just hardware, and the Apple Watch can integrate seamlessly into the existing Apple ecosystem, which encourages consumers to create their own personal Apple device infrastructure.
Prediction 3: Samsung Is Likely to Follow an Apple-like Strategy
Samsung has become one of the most prominent vendors, challenging Apple in design, wearable technologies, and patent expansion. Its consumer electronics business has expanded, and Samsung's popular Android devices position it to pursue a profitable multi-screen ecosystem. For example, Forbes predicted that if Samsung could attract 30% of the high-end market to buy its smartwatches, it could generate US$1 billion to US$1.5 billion in long-term benefits. That could increase Samsung's market value by US$5 billion or raise its stock price by about US$35 per share.
