Wearable App Development: A Step-by-Step Guide by Purrweb

What is wearable app development?

Compared to creating mobile apps, wearable application development works a bit differently. Wearable apps are usually made for wrist-worn devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. These gadgets aren’t as advanced as modern smartphones — their battery life is shorter, and their processors are a lot less powerful.

Because of that, wearable app developers have to limit the feature scope of their projects to optimize performance and prevent battery drain of devices. The same goes for the user interface. Since wearable devices like Apple Watches come with fairly basic GPUs, an app’s UI shouldn’t include too many elements or complex animations. It also has to fit on tiny screens, which is another challenge that developers and designers need to deal with.

But hardware limitations aren’t all bad, as they also drive innovation in the wearable application development space. In an effort to make their wearable apps as useful as possible, developers prioritize device-specific features, such as precise motion tracking or body temperature measurement. And since most wearable gadgets are worn on the wrist, these measurements are a lot more accurate compared to smartphones.

This functionality has led to advancements in healthcare, where wearable devices are used to monitor patient health in real time. In manufacturing, they help improve worker safety by tracking their vital signs and alerting them about hazards at the worksite. All in all, wearable technology is useful in almost any industry, so creating an app in this niche can be very rewarding.

Which niche to choose for wearable app development

Next, let’s find out which industries benefit the most from wearable technology. Here are the most lucrative niches to explore for wearable application development.

Healthcare and wellness

Out of all industries, the healthcare niche relies on wearable technology the most. In healthcare, wearable devices are invaluable — medical staff use them to collect data on patient health and monitor treatment progress. In wellness, smartwatches and bracelets have become the go-to hardware, helping users track their fitness progress, monitor sleep patterns, and view their stress levels.

Social media

With wearable technology, checking your inbox or sending a message is easier than ever. Because of that, social media apps for smartwatches are getting more and more popular. The best social networking apps for wearables include features for touch-free user interaction, such as voice messages and gesture-based controls.

🌟 Our experience   On one of our projects, we designed a social media app with a unique feature idea. Users could find each other nearby thanks to a built-in 3D map, which simplified networking at conferences and other events. The main target audience consisted of younger people, so convenience was the most important factor. We created a sleek modular UI prototype with rounded shapes and colorful buttons, impressing our client with the results. We made sure not to overcomplicate the interface with unnecessary visuals: the main screens included only the essential features, which would help users navigate the app faster

Navigation and tourism

Today, everyone uses navigation apps, and wearables make them even more convenient. They can provide vibration-based feedback for upcoming route changes and notify users about nearby points of interest. These features can be essential for both tourists and locals in any city, so there’s certainly a large audience for navigation apps. And as wearables are becoming more reliable in terms of battery life, there’s a lot of potential for new features in this niche.

Entertainment

The entertainment niche includes a lot of app types, from music streaming platforms to augmented reality games. Through wearable technology, developers are still finding new approaches to user interaction. For example, the Spotify app for smartwatches offers gesture controls, letting you change the volume by slightly rotating your wrist. Even Pokémon Go has its own companion app for wearables — it tracks the user’s steps and issues an alert when a Pokémon is nearby.

The entertainment niche can give you a lot of creative freedom when it comes to implementing innovative features in a wearable app. It’s also a perfect opportunity to tap into growing markets like VR and AR.

How to develop a wearable app in 6 steps

Now, let’s break down the key stages of wearable app development. It’s worth mentioning that the development process may include more steps depending on project size and scope, but we’ll focus on the most essential ones.

1. Set a clear goal and choose the right features

Before you start developing, you’ll need to set clear, achievable goals for your project. Perform market research to decide on the right niche and audience segments. Look at your close competitors and analyze their products. This way, you’ll understand which features are missing from your niche and which elements users tend to criticize the most.

To choose the right features for your product, we recommend performing project discovery. It’s a type of business analysis that will allow you to save time and money during Android wearable app development. Through project discovery, you’ll be able to analyze the user demand for your product and launch a profitable app.

🌟Our experience   Through project discovery, we helped one of our clients save almost $40,000 on development. Their idea was to develop a travel app that would allow users to plan trips more efficiently. We conducted a detailed business analysis and found out there actually was a significant demand for such a product, but changes needed to be made to the business model. Most of the competitors in the niche were free for users, so we advised going for the same route in order to stay competitive. We also calculated the project’s unit economics — it turned out that many users were ready to pay extra for the product if it offered valuable features Also, we calculated the unit economics for different routes. In the one we liked the most, our client will make all the money back in three years while still updating and improving the app.

2. Pick the wearable devices you’ll be developing for

After you’ve decided which features to add, it’s time to think about the platforms you’ll be developing for. The most popular wearable devices include wrist-worn gadgets like the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch and fitness bracelets such as Fitbit. Pick the platforms depending on the features you want to include in your app and the needs of your target audience.

3. Design a UI/UX tailored for wearables

When it comes to designing interfaces for wearable devices, ease of use is paramount. Make sure not to overcomplicate the UI of your wearable app by including only the most important visual elements. Also, it’s best to avoid complex graphics and animations since they can put a strain on the app’s performance. Try to include as little text in the UI as possible — focus on subtle visual hints to simplify in-app navigation.

🌟 Our experience   A well-designed app is visually memorable and easy to navigate. We put our skills to the test when working on a UI/UX design for a crypto wallet with gamification features. The app needed to be as engaging as possible, so we chose a bright color palette and even designed the in-app games. We finished the project in just two months, and soon after that, the app had already attracted its first users. A colorful design can help you attract younger audiences. We used that approach when working on Kaiju, and it worked — the client has already received investments based on the design.

4. Implement APIs for native functionality

It’s always a good idea to take advantage of native device functionality like gesture controls and health tracking. To make these features work, you’ll need APIs (application programming interfaces).

For example, if you’re developing a fitness product, implement APIs that connect the device’s motion sensors to your software. And if your project is health-oriented, make sure your app includes APIs like Apple HealthKit, which tracks the user’s heart rate and sleep patterns.

5. Optimize performance and connectivity

Now that you’ve implemented all of the features in your product, it’s time to polish it. To make sure that your app doesn’t put too much strain on the hardware and that all API connections are stable, conduct additional performance and connectivity tests.

Wearable devices can sometimes disconnect from smartphones, which affects their functionality, and their short battery life can also become an issue. Solving these problems prior to launch is crucial to releasing a successful wearable app.

6. Test in different conditions

To make sure your app works correctly in every possible scenario, test it in different conditions. For example, see how the app behaves if the internet connectivity is poor or when the custom wearable devices are constantly moving, like when the user is running.

Since wearables aren’t as powerful as the latest smartphones, it’s important to optimize your app to account for short battery life and wireless connectivity issues. To avoid problems during launch, we recommend testing your app at every stage of development. This way, you’ll be able to release a polished product that your audience will love.

Wearable app development challenges

Making an app for tiny devices like fitness bracelets and smartwatches comes with its own challenges. Here are the key issues to be on the lookout for during wearable app development.

Performance optimization

Wearable devices have limited functionality, so programmers need to write code as efficiently as possible to avoid performance issues. Implementing dozens of cutting-edge features in a wearable app may sound exciting, but this approach will make it hard to release a polished product.

To avoid performance problems such as excessive battery consumption, make sure to limit your app’s feature scope and conduct performance tests at every development stage.

Device compatibility

There are a lot of wearable devices on the market — from simple fitness bracelets to high-tech virtual reality headsets. Ensuring compatibility with each device type is almost impossible, so prioritizing the most lucrative platforms is a good idea. If you’d like to launch an app for both Apple’s watchOS and Google’s Wear OS, include cross-platform tools like React Native in your tech stack. This can help you get your product to market sooner.

🌟Our experience   Implementing support for different device types and screen sizes can be complicated. When we started working on an app for an e-cigarette manufacturer, we made sure to account for device compatibility right from the design stage. Our UI/UX prototype included screens for smaller smartphones like the iPhone SE. That helped us avoid compatibility issues later in development. In the end, we delivered the project in just two months. To ensure that all app versions have a unified visual style, we made a UI kit that included all the icons, buttons, colors, and fonts. This approach helped us create a unique look for the app.

Wireless connectivity

Like every modern gadget, wearables rely on wireless connectivity. Most smartwatches, for example, constantly communicate with smartphones to sync data and receive messages via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It’s crucial to perform frequent network tests throughout the development process to ensure your app doesn’t run into connection issues. Create different test scenarios like bad weather conditions or crowded areas to pinpoint connectivity-related bugs.

Factors that influence the cost of wearable app development

Wearable app development can be expensive, and, like with any other project, it’s important to plan your budget in advance. Here are the key factors that can influence the overall development cost of a wearable app.

Feature scope

The cost of any mobile app depends on the amount of features. In the case of wearable apps, the same principle applies, though the overall price can differ. That’s why it’s important to define the core functionality of your app in advance, as this will help you prevent feature creep and avoid unforeseen expenses. Also, ensure that your budget allows for advanced features like biometric authentication and detailed motion tracking.

Number of platforms

The more platforms your app will be released on — the higher the development cost will be. When making an initial project roadmap, make a detailed list that includes every wearable development platform your product will launch on.

Companies with tighter budgets tend to prefer Android wearable app development since it gives them access to a wider pool of compatible mobile devices. But in the end, it depends on your target audience and business goals, so make sure to perform detailed market research before getting started with development.

UI/UX design complexity

Creating a compelling app design takes a lot of work, especially when you have to account for the small screen sizes of wearable devices. There are also other technical considerations — UI design can even influence app performance.

For example, it’s usually not a good idea to include complex animations in a wearable product since they can increase load times and harm the app’s user experience. Because of such hidden pitfalls, it’s better to entrust UI/UX design to an experienced wearable app development company.

Most popular types of wearable apps

Let’s say you want to develop a wearable app. Before you start working on a project, it’s important to become familiar with the most lucrative app types for wearable devices. Here are the top picks.

Health and wellness apps

Wearable devices have gained mainstream popularity in the early 2010s, mainly thanks to health and wellness apps. With them, it became possible to monitor the heart rate and blood pressure in real time without relying on a smartphone. Fitness apps for wearable devices are also very popular with fitness enthusiasts — they allow users to measure physical activity and track their fitness progress, all just by wearing a fitness band/watch.

🌟Our experience   We worked on multiple projects in the health and wellness niche. For example, FitForce, a fitness app that helps professional fitness trainers simplify their day-to-day workflows. We included features for scheduling appointments and tracking them using detailed calendars. The app even allows users to manage payment invoices from clients right in the app. When creating the app’s UI, we prioritized simple navigation. That’s why we chose a simple color palette and included color contrasts to highlight the most crucial UI elements.

Messengers

When you need to text someone on the go, reaching for your phone isn’t always convenient. Messenger apps for wearable devices solve this with features like voice-to-text functionality, allowing you to instantly send texts without typing. With some messaging apps, you can also make direct voice calls from devices that are linked to your smartphone.

GPS navigators

Just like smartphones, wearable devices often come with built-in GPS sensors. Wearable apps rely on them to provide accurate location data and suggest optimal routes in real time. This functionality is useful in many scenarios. For example, delivery couriers use bikes to get around the city. With a navigator app on their smartwatch, they simply need to glance at their wrist to find out the best route.

Productivity tools

Wearable solutions are also great for keeping track of tasks and personal appointments. Productivity apps for smartwatches have several benefits over the mobile alternatives. For example, they can send haptic reminders for upcoming meetings, and since the watch is always on your wrist, you’ll be less likely to miss them. Wearable apps also allow you to use voice dictation to write notes and plan your schedule on the go.

Best apps for wearable devices

Now that we’ve covered the most lucrative wearable app types, let’s study some real-life examples. Here are the most impressive products in the wearable app development space.

Strava

A strong contender for the most popular wearable app in the fitness niche, Strava has become a favorite tool among cyclists and runners. The app lets users track their physical activity in real time and record every workout session. Strava also has a large user community, and you can even participate in competitive workouts through the wearable app.

Heart Analyzer

When it comes to health monitoring, Heart Analyzer might be the best wearable app. It tracks what goes on inside the human body and even provides detailed charts on key health metrics. Using the app, you can get all sorts of analytics just by looking at your smartwatch: blood oxygen, heart rate variability, sleep duration, and much more.

Citymapper

Urban navigation can be tricky, and wearable applications like Citymapper are here to make it easier. This smartwatch app provides all the relevant info for getting around the city, including step-by-step directions, detailed maps, subway schedules, and traffic conditions.

Todoist

Since wearable technology entered the mainstream in the 2010s, productivity apps have been steadily gaining popularity. Todoist is one of the most successful products in this niche. It supports the most popular wearable devices and offers all the essential features for boosting productivity. It lets you make notes through voice dictation, create detailed task lists, and track your progress throughout the day.

The most useful features of wearable apps

As wearable technology keeps improving, so does the functionality of wearable apps. Let’s look at the most useful features to consider for your wearable app development project.

Real-time health monitoring

Even in 2025, health tracking is the most useful feature of wearable device software, and smartphones still can’t do it with the same level of accuracy. Wearables like watches, bracelets, and smart clothing come into direct contact with the user’s skin, which makes it easier to get precise measurements. This feature is most useful for products in the healthcare industry, as well as in sports and wellness.

🌟 Our experience   Once, a client asked us to create a solution for patients and health enthusiasts, and we ended up making not one but two apps. The first app allows users to view the results of their medical analyses, and the second one lets them connect with nutrition experts. We also adapted both apps for web and mobile platforms. We created an intuitive UI that highlights all of the app’s key features. For contrasts, we used lilac and green — these colors helped us build the product’s unique identity.

GPS navigation

Another useful feature of wearable platforms is GPS location tracking. Navigating with a wearable gadget is easier than with a smartphone, as it frees your hands and gives you the freedom to move around. That’s why fitness enthusiasts prefer smartwatches for outdoor sports. GPS tracking is also useful in logistics and food delivery, helping couriers reach their destinations faster.

Gesture and voice commands

The best wearable apps take full advantage of native device features, which include gesture and voice commands. With gesture-based controls, you can flip through menus without touching the screen just by flicking your wrist. Or use voice dictation to quickly jot down notes and send messages. These features make wearable apps easier to interact with, enhancing the overall user experience.

Contactless payment

Just like smartphones, many wearable devices have the contactless payment feature. But it’s even more convenient since you don’t even have to reach for your phone — just hold the smartwatch up to the terminal, and the payment is complete. This feature is great for both regular users and businesses, making each individual transaction take less time.

To sum up

Wearable technology will become even more impressive in the future, so 2025 is the perfect year to get into wearable app development. And with the recent advancements in the VR/AR space, the possibilities for unique features are nearly endless. It’s still a relatively new market, so why not enter it with your own killer app?

➡️ At Purrweb, we love working on projects in future-oriented niches like wearable tech and IoT. Tell us about your wearable app idea using the form below, and we’ll provide you with a budget estimate within 48 hours.