Apple Helping Developers Finalize Apple Watch Apps at Cupertino Headquarters

Todoist Apple WatchApple has invited third-party developers to its headquarters in Cupertino, California to allow them to test and finalize apps for the Apple Watch, according to 9to5Mac. The report claims that developers have been arriving at One Infinite Loop this month to work with Apple engineers on finishing WatchKit-based apps in categories such as sports, productivity and finance.

"The developers invited by Apple to Cupertino range from those behind titles for sports applications and productivity software. Apple has also been meeting with banks to work on WatchKit applications that assist with the Apple Watch’s Apple Pay functionality. Besides U.S.-based banks, Apple has been working on WatchKit apps with developers from Germany-based banks, which indicates Apple is likely in talks with more foreign banks to expand Apple Pay to more countries across the world."

MacRumors reported a few weeks ago that some developers have been asked to have Apple Watch apps readied by this month, although this report claims that Apple seems to be operating on a more urgent timeline, possibly in order to ensure that some apps are finalized for an upcoming marketing initiative or media event. In the meantime, Apple has reportedly been holding workshops to train retail employees about the Apple Watch in Los Angeles, Cupertino, Austin and Atlanta.

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed the Apple Watch will launch in April.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

Popular Stories

iOS 26 Battery Glass Feature

Apple Says Installing iOS 26 Might Impact Battery Life

Monday September 15, 2025 10:56 am PDT by
In the iOS 26 release notes, Apple is warning iPhone users that installing the new software might have a temporary impact on battery life, which is normal. A new support document explains that major iOS updates require background setup like indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps. Further, Apple says that new features could require more resources,...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 Get iOS 26 Features With New Firmware Update

Monday September 15, 2025 10:50 am PDT by
Apple today released updated firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4, introducing support for the new AirPods features that are included in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. The firmware has a build number of 8A356, and it replaces the current 7E93 firmware. With Apple's new software updates, the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 support better audio quality for phone calls and...
iOS 26

iOS 26.1 to iOS 26.4: Here Are 5 New Features to Expect on Your iPhone

Tuesday September 16, 2025 11:17 am PDT by
iOS 26 was finally released on Monday, but the software train never stops, and the first developer beta of iOS 26.1 will likely be released soon. iOS 18.1 was an anomaly, as the first developer beta of that version was released in late July last year, to allow for early testing of Apple Intelligence features. The first betas of iOS 15.1, iOS 16.1, and iOS 17.1 were all released in the second ...
iOS 26 on Three iPhones

iOS 26's Liquid Glass Design Draws Criticism From Users

Wednesday September 17, 2025 2:56 pm PDT by
It's been two days since iOS 26 was released, and Apple's new Liquid Glass design is even more divisive than expected. Any major design change can create controversy as people get used to the new look, but the MacRumors forums, Reddit, Apple Support Communities, and social media sites seem to feature more criticism than praise as people discuss the update. Complaints There are a long...
Tim Cook Rainbow

Apple Reportedly Plans to Launch These 10 Products in 'Coming Months'

Sunday September 14, 2025 8:45 am PDT by
Apple's annual September event is now in the rearview mirror, with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3 set to launch this Friday, September 19. As always, there is more to come. In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple plans to release many products in the...
iOS 26 Glass Feature

iOS 26: The Top 100 New Features and Changes

Tuesday September 16, 2025 12:26 pm PDT by
Apple released iOS 26 on September 15, and it's now available for all iPhone users with a compatible device. There are a lot of changes and features to learn about, so if you want a quick, easy-to-read list that outlines what's new, we've got you covered. Design Liquid Glass design that reflects light and refracts what's underneath. It's system wide, with dynamic tab bars and toolbars...
new iphone lockscreen ios 26

iOS 26: All the New iPhone Lock Screen Customizations

Tuesday September 16, 2025 5:56 am PDT by
Apple has now made iOS 26 available to download on compatible iPhone models, and if you just installed the new software, Apple has made some changes and feature additions to the iPhone Lock Screen that you may want to check out. To download iOS 26 on your iPhone, go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update, then let your device check Apple's servers for the latest software. Wait for the...

Top Rated Comments

dwsolberg Avatar
138 months ago
I can see Tim Cook's influence of have a very organized way of doing things. They're asking for apps ahead of time so they can test the Apple watch and ensure that it works with developers' apps. In addition, they're getting good feedback for additions to the SDK.

I also see now what's happening with the iOS releases. iOS 7 was a visual revamp. iOS 8 was a feature revamp. iOS 9 is a stability revamp. It's a nice progression. Apple has a nice UI and a feature set that more or less doesn't have any major gaps. Now they are going to polish everything.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IJ Reilly Avatar
138 months ago
I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a "sky blue" band on my watch!
You will be drugged, bound, and forced to wear one. Crowds of strangers will be brought in to point at you and laugh.

You can wake up now.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
s1m Avatar
138 months ago
Seems like Apple are wanting to manage this release more closely than others such as the iPad. I thnk that they recognise the risk this product faces - if it doesn't get off to a flying start with smooth operating and battery efficient apps there is the risk that the product will be tarnished. Looks like a sensible significant amount of investment going into this.

I. Can't. Wait. even though I have to.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
filmantopia Avatar
138 months ago
I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a "sky blue" band on my watch!

Oh are we expressing random opinions? I hate cashews!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GalaxyGuardian Avatar
138 months ago
I see the event invitation title in front of me! "Be on time." :D
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bmunge Avatar
138 months ago
Fast forward a year or so and you'll see the few early adopter Apple watches languishing in dresser drawers.

You must be new to Apple products. Fast forward a year and you'll see the first gen going for 200-250 on eBay while the early adopters upgrade to gen 2.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)