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 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

dwsolberg Avatar
130 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
130 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
130 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
130 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
130 months ago
I see the event invitation title in front of me! "Be on time." :D
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bmunge Avatar
130 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)