Merge Watch App Bridges the Gap Between Apple Watch and Android

While Apple’s ecosystem is renowned for its seamless integration, the company maintains strict barriers that prevent its accessories from functioning with competing platforms. The Apple Watch, widely regarded as one of the most refined smartwatches available, officially refuses to pair with Android devices. However, a new application called Merge Watch aims to dismantle this limitation, allowing users who have switched platforms to retain their wearable technology.

The necessity for such a workaround became clear to Engadget’s Adnan Ahmed after he transitioned to a OnePlus smartphone. Initially, he found himself carrying both devices solely to keep his Apple Watch functional, as previous community workarounds required cellular-capable models and still failed to establish true communication between the two systems. Merge Watch offers a more integrated solution by acting as a bridge between the operating systems.

To utilize the service, users must first activate their Apple Watch with an iPhone, a standard requirement for the device. Once initialized, the app is installed on both the watch and the Android phone via their respective app stores. The pairing process involves granting specific permissions, including Bluetooth access, health data reads, notification management, and battery optimization exemptions. After confirming the six-digit pairing code, health metrics begin syncing with Google Fit, though this initial synchronization can be time-consuming.

In terms of performance, the app handles notification forwarding with surprising efficacy. Users can view alerts and even reply to messages directly from their wrists. Media controls for apps like Spotify also function correctly, and ECG recordings along with detailed sleep data are transferred to the smartphone. However, the experience lacks the polish of a native integration. Notifications arrive through the Merge Watch interface rather than as standard watchOS alerts, creating a layer of abstraction that feels somewhat cumbersome. Additionally, unlike the iPhone ecosystem, the Android phone continues to receive notifications even when the watch is active, resulting in duplicated alerts.

Privacy is a key consideration when entrusting a third-party application with sensitive health and personal data. Merge Watch states that most data remains local to the devices, and notifications routed through internet relays are end-to-end encrypted. Despite these assurances, the cost model presents a significant hurdle. The service operates on a subscription basis, with full functionality requiring a payment of $6 per month. There is no option for a one-time purchase, which some users may find prohibitive.

During extended testing with the iPhone powered off, the reliability of the connection proved mixed. While the app primarily utilizes Bluetooth and does not strictly require internet connectivity, notifications occasionally failed to deliver, necessitating a manual launch of the app on the watch. This lag sometimes resulted in a backlog of dozen of alerts appearing simultaneously. Furthermore, continuous background activity led to increased battery drain on the Apple Watch Series 10. Even on a OnePlus 15 running Android 16 with OxygenOS battery optimizations disabled, occasional delays persisted due to the OS’s aggressive background management.

Ultimately, Merge Watch provides a viable, albeit imperfect, pathway for Android users wishing to continue using an Apple Watch. Given the scarcity of alternative solutions, it remains a practical option for those willing to accept the monthly fee and minor inconveniences in exchange for ecosystem flexibility.