Want Your App on Apple Watch? WatchKit SDK Out Now

Calling all developers. Apple wants you to get your iOS apps ready for its new smartwatch.

The Cupertino tech giant on Tuesday released WatchKit, a set of tools that developers can use to create apps for the forthcoming Apple Watch, which is slated to arrive in early 2015.

"WatchKit provides the incredible iOS developer community with the tools they need to create exciting new experiences right on your wrist," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said in a statement.

With the software, developers can create notifications that let users take action or respond from their wrist. That could include things like turning off the lights after you've left the house, quickly accessing flight details at the airport, or rerouting transit when a train or bus is late. Developers can also incorporate Glances, which quickly show information like the latest news, sports scores, alarm system status, or the next step in a recipe.

View all Photos in Gallery

Companies like ESPN, Instagram, and American Airlines have already started developing apps for the Apple Watch. The ESPN app, for instance, offers live scores and information about your favorite team. The Instagram app will let you see and like photos, and the American Airlines app will notify you when it's time to head to the airport.

The iOS 8.2 SDK beta, including WatchKit, is available now for iOS Developer Program members. The WatchKit site includes programming guides, human interface guidelines, and templates. Starting next year, developers will also be able to create fully native apps for the Apple Watch.

Unveiled alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in September, the Apple Watch will start at $349 come in three three versions, which have different bands.

For more, check out our Hands On With the Apple Watch.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes.

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app.

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth.

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light.

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

Read the latest from Angela Moscaritolo

Read full bio