(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/mtreasure)
Wearables seem to be a more discussed trend in tech circles, but a new report indicates that developers are more interested to build apps for the Apple TV over the Apple Watch.
The information comes from Realm, a company which hosts apps used by approximately 100,000 developers. Apple TV has gained significant interest from developers since the fourth-generation was released, in stark contrast to Apple Watch development interest which has reduced.
"On a weekly basis we're seeing very few Watch apps, compared to iOS apps. For every 1,000 new iOS apps being built, there are 10 tvOS apps and maybe 1 Watch app," said Vice President of Realm, Tim Anglade.
Of course this could just be a trend within the Apple ecosystem, but it's promising for Microsoft who are rumoured to be launching a 'Xbox TV' product this year which should enable Windows 10 applications on the biggest screen in the house. Redmond has always relied on its "Universal" app strategy to stimulate Windows development interest, so it could offer a bastion of hope to Nadella and co.
Exact sales figures haven't been released for the Apple Watch, but research suggests the wearable finished third overall in the market behind players such as Fitbit to occupy a 7.5 percent marketshare. Sales of the fourth-generation Apple TV have been far more impressive with shipments over 50 percent higher in 2015 over the previous year.
Many developers will be waiting to see where Apple takes its wearable in the second generation due later this year so it will be interesting to see how much development is stimulated after its release. When the Apple Watch was released developers had limited access to its hardware which is sure to have stunted its development interest – a second generation will hopefully bring some developers back to give it another go.
Apple will likely demo the next version of watchOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, so it won't be long until we find out more of the company's wearable plans.
Do you find Apple TV development more attractive than WatchOS? Share your thoughts in the comments.
