Samsung Launches Limited iOS Beta Program for Gear S2 Smart Watch

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

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joecool99

29 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

Rating: 5 Votes

jasonklee

29 months ago

This is so awesome. The Gear is one of the most beautiful objects ever crafted and the only smartwatch done right.

Rating: 4 Votes

Planey28

29 months ago

This is so awesome. The Gear is one of the most beautiful objects ever crafted and the only smartwatch done right.

Sarcasm?

Rating: 2 Votes

GrumpyMom

29 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.

Rating: 2 Votes

GeneralChang

29 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

Rating: 2 Votes

assign0101

29 months ago

READ - just your opinion

Gear S2 definitely has a lot going for it..
Super AMOLED Display..gorgeous screen and best of all battery efficient.
IP68 Waterproofing..go for a swim
GPS inbuilt.
Now with e-sim Totally independence from your iPhone/Smartphone leave that at home go for a Run/Walk using Gear S2. S Health app or Nike.app

Rating: 1 Votes

Quu

29 months ago

I think this is a good thing that they're bringing the gear watches to iOS. It only results in more competition and choice. We'll be able to use a Pebble, Android Wear, Gear or Apple Watch with our phones.

And I say this as an Apple Watch owner, competition like this is a great thing.

Rating: 1 Votes

2457282

29 months ago

I have the Apple Watch and I try to pay attention to people's wrist to see what they are using, if anything. I see a ton of fit bits. some pebble and always growing number of apple watches. But I have yet to see a single Samsung gear in my tiny corner of the world.

Rating: 1 Votes

Stalwart

29 months ago

Have you seen the size difference between the gear and galaxy lines? No way they cast a shadow over the galaxy.

Moon can eclipse the sun if it hits the right spot

Rating: 1 Votes

jamesey76

28 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.

Rating: 1 Votes

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