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.

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

93 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

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

GeneralChang

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)

Planey28

Sarcasm?

GrumpyMom

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.