Samsung Launches Limited iOS Beta Program for Gear S2 Smart Watch - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Samsung Launches Limited iOS Beta Program for Gear S2 Smart Watch

by

Back in January, Samsung announced plans to add iOS support to its Gear S2 Smart Watch, and it appears the South Korean company is getting close to launching the promised iOS app.

Starting today, Samsung is launching a new beta testing program for the Gear iOS app (via SamMobile), which will run from Wednesday, August 24 to Monday, September 19, suggesting a release date that could come as early as late September.

samsunggeariosbetatest
The Gear iOS beta is only available to Samsung Gear S2, Gear S2 Classic, and Gear Fit 2 owners who are located in South Korea, so U.S. users will not be able to participate in the beta testing process. Participation in the beta program requires an Apple ID and an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8.4 or later.

Samsung plans to use the feedback garnered from beta testers to make improvements to its upcoming iOS app. Details on the app, including screenshots, leaked out back in April. Based on that leaked information, the Gear S2 iOS app will be able to deliver notifications to the smart watch and it will be able to install and manage apps from the Gear store.

Aside from an end date of September 19 for the beta testing program, Samsung has given no hints on when iOS support will be officially implemented.

Top Rated Comments

joecool99 Avatar
129 months ago
This is so awesome. The Gear is one of the most beautiful objects ever crafted and the only smartwatch done right.
READ - just your opinion
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jasonklee Avatar
129 months ago
This is so awesome. The Gear is one of the most beautiful objects ever crafted and the only smartwatch done right.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
129 months ago
I am loving my Gear S2 4G. I don't think I ever would have tried one if not for the free promotional give away by AT&T because I really love my Apple Watch and I do love square watches. I never really thought highly of Android or Tizen watches because they are so big. I tried this only because it was free and I'm glad I did.

And wow, this has a beautiful clean well designed interface. And it's really nice to be able to download custom watch faces for it. I'm currently using a Steampunk themed one...which is what I always wanted for an Apple Watch.

I do miss my activity rings and my moon phase complication. But not enough to give up on Gear S2. Texting on it is implemented better than trying to get Siri to recognize my words and differentiate between "Aunt" and "ant" for example. And I like that I can make or receive a call on it without a phone on me.

It's just looks a bit big on me. The rose gold classic version would probably look okay on me. Like an oversized ladies fashion watch. But the sporty styling of the white and steel one I have look kind of clunky on me. My husband looks great in his, though. It looks like a regular sport watch and is nicely proportioned on a man. He likes it better than his Apple Watch. He got bored not being able to download watch faces for the Apple Watch and never got into switching up bands the way I did.

I'm looking forward to seeing how IOS get implemented on it. I'm still using my iPhone SE so I will probably keep it paired with my Apple Watch and keep my Gear S2 paired with my Note 7 number.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
129 months ago
This is so awesome. The Gear is one of the most beautiful objects ever crafted and the only smartwatch done right.
Sarcasm?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
129 months ago
Sweet! can't wait to see the Gear S3 announcement, I think will put a shadow over the Galaxy S line this year
Have you seen the size difference between the gear and galaxy lines? No way they cast a shadow over the galaxy.

...and yes, I am ashamed of that joke. But I shared it anyway. Feel free to have a laugh at my expense. :D
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jamesey76 Avatar
128 months ago
Best of luck getting it. I can only find the S2 app that leaked in April. I contacted several people from various message boards that said or showed they had the app via screen shot . I PMed each person individually (including ones from this forum). All ignored request to extract the app opening the directory via iTunes and emailing it.

Maybe it was beyond their capabilities. Anyway if you get it please email it to jamesey@aol.com as I need it too!

Any links to find that leaked version? Looks like the beta sign ups aren't being accepted anymore. I got a free gear fit 2 through the Note 7 promo, but am now using an iPhone 7 plus and would love to get this working.
Any links to find that leaked version? Looks like the beta sign ups aren't being accepted anymore. I got a free gear fit 2 through the Note 7 promo, but am now using an iPhone 7 plus and would love to get this working.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 6 U.S. States

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:29 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards,...