Apple releases new Pebble app for iOS

Pebble Time smartwatch users can now pair it with their iPhone. The required new application has been released by Apple. Shortly before that, Apple was criticized for the long review period for the update.

The Pebble application can be downloaded from the App Store as usual and is available for free. The software makes it possible to pair a Pebble smartwatch with the iPhone and other iOS devices. There is support for forwarding notifications to the watch and taking calls. In addition, applications can be installed on the Pebble via the iPhone and the watchface can be adjusted. Both the original Pebble and Pebble Steel are supported, and the update now allows pairing with the recently launched Pebble Time.

Earlier this week, Apple came under fire for taking an unusually long time to approve the Pebble application. In a post on Kickstarter, Pebble indicated that the software was submitted to Apple for review more than a month ago, while the previous app was put live within 24 hours. Pebble asked users to address Apple about this. There were rumors that Apple would want to thwart the competitor of its own smart watch, but shortly afterwards the application became available. Whether this happened under pressure from public opinion is not clear, however.

Pebble released the new Time smartwatch through a Kickstarter campaign, raising a record amount of more than $20 million, or about $18 million. The company has now started the extradition.