Apple Watch attracts retailers ahead of release
Apple Watch is already getting retailers on board ahead of a prospective spring release


The Apple Watch may not have an official release date yet, but that hasn't stopped retailers from tapping into to the unknown possibilities the smartwatch could potentially offer the marketing world.
The WatchKit software development kit has already been released by Apple, allowing developers to work on apps for the upcoming wearable device.
Vendors have thus begun to talk about how ads and other features can be targeted at Apple Watch users, with inMarket recently telling Ad Week about beacons being developed in line with Marsh Supermarkets.
The company's plan is to extend app functionality for things such as shopping lists or recipes for the device that are triggered by the wearer entering certain locations.
Marsh Supermarkets alone has reportedly installed beacons in 75 stores in preparation for the Apple Watch's 2015 release.
Todd Dipaola, CEO of inMarket, said: "If you look at that situation when you're running through a store, how much more convenient is it to have a hands-free option to see what you're making for dinner or understand what the deals are when you're in-store?
"We've built the integration ahead of the debut so on day one as the Apple Watch comes out these apps can be ready for prime time."
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
It is unknown how these advertisements and notifications will be received on the Apple Watch, with the smaller screen and the ubiquitous nature of a device worn at all times making it markedly different from a smartphone or tablet. Apple has yet to release clear details on ad integration.
It has been rumoured that the Apple Watch will be released this spring, possibly in time for March.
Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.
You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.
-
CISA issues warning in wake of Oracle cloud credentials leak
News The security agency has published guidance for enterprises at risk
By Ross Kelly
-
Reports: White House mulling DeepSeek ban amid investigation
News Nvidia is caught up in US-China AI battle, but Huang still visits DeepSeek in Beijing
By Nicole Kobie
-
FDA approves Apple Watch app that helps people with PTSD sleep better
News The FDA designated NightWare a Breakthrough Device, expediting its development and review
By Tyler Omoth
-
Google boosts transparency in AdSense tools
News Changes to its AdSense network should help developers understand the reasons why adverts are removed
By Dale Walker
-
Snapchat 'files for a $25 billion IPO'
News But investors are 'wary' of the app's revenue sources
By Dale Walker
-
Google outlaws ads from payday lenders
News Search giant’s global crackdown angers online lenders
By Aaron Lee
-
Smartwatch security threats: The sky isn’t really falling
Opinion Wearables are too young to pose a real threat to data security, says Davey Winder
By Davey Winder
-
Apple appoints Jeff Williams as COO
News Phil Schiller’s responsibilities expand to include management of App Store across platforms
By Clare Hopping
-
Chinese vendors storm worldwide wearables market
News However, Fitbit and Apple lead the charge with its wrist-mounted devices
By Clare Hopping
-
Google confirms Android Wear app for iOS
Rumours Google has announced an Android Wear app for iOS, confirming previous rumours
By Caroline Preece