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Apple Abandons 'Project Fennel' to Make Apple Watch Compatible with Android Devices, Citing Potential Impact on iPhone Sales

Apple's 'Project Fennel' was in advanced stages of development, poised to extend Apple’s health services to a larger global audience and compete with Android-based smartwatches. The decision maintains Apple's strategy of ecosystem exclusivity to drive sales across its suite of products.

Overview

  • Apple ceased efforts to make its Apple Watch and Health app compatible with Android devices under 'Project Fennel' as it approached completion.
  • The project was abandoned to protect the ecosystem and product interdependence strategy that supports iPhone sales.
  • Sources indicate that allowing Android users access to Apple's Watch and Health app would 'dilute the value of the watch to the iPhone'.
  • Had it proceeded, 'Project Fennel' would have expanded Apple's health services to a larger worldwide audience, particularly in markets dominated by Android.
  • Previous instances of similar decisions by Apple include its choice not to develop an Android version of iMessage as early as 2013 to avoid harming the company.