On 9th March 2015 at the Spring Forward event, Apple announced that the iOS 8.2 update is now available to iOS users worldwide. It brings with it several bug fixes, along with an Apple Watch app – which users cannot delete.
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For the most part, the app doesn’t do much more than simply inform users that they are able to pair the iPhone with an Apple Watch if they have one. On the other hand, there are two other tabs in the app – Explore tab lets you watch several promotional videos and App Store tab lets you browse specific watch apps (coming soon). Once paired, an ‘Activity’ app will also appear on the home screen.
It looks like the Apple Watch app is intended to be a core system app with the iOS 8.2 update alongside Passbook, Newsstand, Stocks and other Apple-made apps; which would explain why it cannot be installed. The app doesn’t take up much space, and really shouldn’t annoy too many users. That being said, Apple has had some issues with unwanted downloads (i.e. U2’s album) and should have been more up-front about this particular occurrence.
The fact that it cannot be deleted makes the Apple Watch app seem like a strategic advertisement for the watch, that lives on the homepages of millions of iOS device users, tempting them every time they unlock their screen; or at least until they hide it in a folder. It seems that Apple intends to have their users adopt the company’s wearable technology and make it a part of their lifestyle.
