Crossing the streams: Samsung smartwatches finally work with iPhone

Over a year after it was promised, Samsung is finally allowing you to pair its Gear smartwatches with an iPhone. The Gear S2 and Gear S3 will both connect with any iPhone newer than the 5, running iOS 9 or better through the use of the newly launched Gear S app. The Gear Fit 2 fitness tracker can also be paired with an iPhone, but using a separate app.

Samsung first announced that it would allow the Gear S2 to connect iPhones at its CES keynote last year. However, little mention was made of the initiative following the announcement, leading many to believe that Samsung had axed iPhone compatibility from its roadmap.

While the subset of users who own an iPhone and Samsung smartwatch is almost certainly quite low, the Gear S2 and Gear S3 could be solid alternatives for Apple faithful after a circular wearable. The Gear S2 starts at $249, while the Gear S3 sells for $349. If you're after a cheaper wearable, the Gear Fit 2 goes for $129.

Both the Gear S and Gear Fit apps are available as a free download through the App Store.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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