According to an Engadget review, a new app called Merge Watch claims to bridge the gap between Apple Watch and Android phones. The setup process requires an iPhone for initial activation, after which the watch can be paired with an Android device via Bluetooth. The app syncs health data with Google Fit and forwards notifications, allowing users to reply to messages and control music playback from their wrist.
The review notes that the experience is not as polished as using an Apple Watch with an iPhone. Notifications arrive through the Merge Watch app rather than as native watchOS alerts, and the Android phone still buzzes even when the watch is in use. The reviewer also experienced occasional notification delays and higher battery consumption on the watch, possibly due to Android's background activity management.
Merge Watch operates on a subscription model, with a $6-per-month tier required to unlock all features. The privacy policy states that most data stays on the device, and notifications sent through an internet relay are end-to-end encrypted. While the reviewer found the service "decently reliable," they noted that it is one of the few working solutions for Android users who want to keep their Apple Watch.