Next Apple Watch SDK will give developers native access

RANCHO PALOS VERDES — If the Apple Watch has a weakness, it's the third-party apps. They seem limited in features and functionality. Soon, though, developers will have something Apple has had all along: native access to the Apple Watch's hardware and functions.

Currently, Apple Watch apps — like maps, the watch face, music and mail — are all written with access to every internal function of the smart watch. Third-party apps, on the other hand, all work through the Bluetooth connected iPhone.

Speaking at Re/Code's annual Code Conference, Apple senior vice president of operations Jeff Williams revealed that the new Apple Watch SDK, which Apple plans on unveiling at its World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco on June 8, will give developers native access to Apple Watch sensors and digital crown. Read more...