Skip to main content

It’s about time: Samsung Gear S2 and S3 are finally compatible with Apple iPhone

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier review
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Are you an iPhone user who wants a smartwatch but doesn’t want to shell out for an Apple Watch? Well, you’ve now got a few extra options for smartwatches compatible with your phone. Samsung, as promised, has finally enabled support for iOS on the Gear S2, Gear Fit 2, and the new Gear S3.

The move is long overdue. Samsung said in December 2015 that it would enable support for the Gear S2 on iOS in mid-January 2016. Now, after almost a year, a monthslong beta program, and a number of rumors, we finally have that feature.

To get the compatibility, you can download the Samsung Gear S app from the Apple App Store — although, there may not be too many people who own a Gear S smartwatch and an iPhone since the two haven’t worked together until now. Once you download the app, all you need to do is tap on the “Connect to Gear” button, and the app will automatically sync with the watch.

Not all iPhones will work with the watches — you’ll need the iPhone 5 or later running iOS 9.0 or later.

It is nice that most smartwatches are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices — but a little frustrating, although not surprising, that the Apple Watch is really only compatible with the iPhone. Hopefully all of Samsung’s future smartwatches will be compatible with the iPhone out of the box.

The Gear S3 is Samsung’s latest smartwatch, and is really a pretty nice device. It really just looks like a classic watch, and is available in two models — the Gear S3 Frontier, which is a little sportier, and the Gear S3 Classic, which is slightly more refined and a little classier.

Christian de Looper
Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…
iOS 18 is official. Here’s how it’s going to change your iPhone forever
Screenshots of new features in iOS 18.

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here: iOS 18 has just been announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote. And, like the rumors have been saying, this is a very big, juicy update for your iPhone.

There's been a lot of anticipation for iOS 18. Rumors and leaks for the new update have been particularly intense this year, more so than iOS 17 rumors last year. So, was the hype worth it? Here's what's coming to your iPhone with iOS 18.
Home screen changes

Read more
Here’s how iOS 18 is going to overhaul your iPhone’s email app
An iPhone showing the home screen in someone's hand.

We're just days away from Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024), which means we're about to get our first look at iOS 18. The new iPhone operating system is expected to get RCS texting in the iMessage app, more customization options for the home screen, and maybe a significant design change overall. Now comes word that changes will be made to the native Mail app.

According to AppleInsider, the Mail app is about to undergo a significant transformation. It's getting a powerful new search tool, Smart Replies, automatic sorting for different email types, and more. But the real excitement lies in the app's expected integration of AI functionality, a feature becoming a hallmark of iOS 18.

Read more
Be careful with your iPhone! Repairing it just got more expensive
Someone holding an iPhone 15 Pro Max outside on a patio, showing the back of the Natural Titanium color.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple has significantly changed its repair and standard warranty policies — potentially resulting in higher repair costs for iPhones and Apple Watches.

The policy change pertains to “single hairline cracks.” In the past, this type of problem was covered by the standard warranty for these products. However, it is now being treated as “accidental damage,” with customers being required to pay for the repair.

Read more