Android smartwatches now work with iPhones

Google today introduced an Android Wear companion application for Apple's iOS mobile operating system, allowing iPhone users to connect Android smartwatches to their devices.

Android Wear is compatible with iOS version 8.2 and higher, meaning it will work on Apple's iPhone 5 and newer model smartphones.

The move places Google and its manufacturing partners in direct competition with Apple, which started selling its native Watch device for iOS last year.

Currently only LG's US$459 Watch Urbane smartwach is supported by the companion app, but Google said support for all future Android Wear watches - from manufacturers including Huawei, Asus and Motorola - will come soon.

Android Wear for iOS will provide notifications, fitness tracking and contextual information from pop-up Google Now cards. 

Third-party Google Play Store apps through Android Wear for iOS won't be supported, however.

Android watch models start at US$149.99. Apple Watch retails from US$349.