Apple Watch Ultra — what dive software is in the works?

[JoshuaHeard]

Not surprised that they’re moving at a - umm - “deliberate” pace. I hope you can check in here from time to time.

It's been 3 months, but still no updates. I have a beta ready to test, but I'm not doing any further work until I get the go-ahead from Apple. In the meantime, I'm applying for a patent. The Apple Developer Conference is happening now so that could account for the delay. I haven't seen anything in the ADC news relating to new dive features for the watch.

 

[scm007]

If you sideload it can you access the entitlement that way?

 

[JoshuaHeard]

If you sideload it can you access the entitlement that way?

I'm a certified Apple developer so I do everything through their developer program for release through the App Store. The submersion entitlement is issued to developers by Apple. That's the only way to access it as far as I know.

 

[JoshuaHeard]

Update: I received an email from Apple that they are denying me the full Submerged Depth and Pressure entitlement. They said I could submit another request with more information, but I gave all my information in the first request. They suggested I partner with another company. I went to the DEMA show and talked to several dive computer companies. They basically said, why should be partner with a software company for the Apple Watch, which is our competitor?

In the meantime, if anyone knows of a company that may want to partner with a software developer to sell a dive computer app on the Apple store, let me know. According to the Apple email:

"The organization you work with should have years of experience in:
• Developing apps for the diving industry.
• Dive computer testing.
• Handling critical updates"

I find these requirements curious because Apple is responsible for the dive computer hardware, and also pushing updates through the App Store. In any event, I am hoping to discuss a partnership with a company that meets these criteria.

 

[Rick Brant]

Too many devs release an app, sell very few copies and then fail to keep updating the app. I can see -- easily -- why Apple would want to be careful here. They only want fully committed developers behind this kind of app. It's not like Plants & Zombies after all.

 

[Wibble]

Also, no doubt that legal liabilities come into play; a software error contributing to a diver’s injury or death which would instantly be headline news about Apple. Could see the headlines “Apple watch kills diver”…