A new app called Merge Watch allows users to connect their Apple Watch with an Android smartphone, providing a solution for those who have switched to Android but still want to use their Apple Watch. According to a recent report, users first need to activate their Apple Watch with an iPhone, then install the Merge Watch app on both the Apple Watch via its App Store and on the Android device via the Play Store. To complete the pairing, users must launch the app on both devices and grant it necessary permissions, including Bluetooth access, health data, notification access, and battery optimization exceptions. A six-digit code must be entered on the Android phone to confirm the pairing request. Once set up, the app claims to enable the Apple Watch to work with Android devices, though the experience is not as smooth as using the Apple Watch with an iPhone. Notification forwarding functions well, allowing users to reply to messages using their Apple Watch. Music playback controls for apps like Spotify appear on the wrist, and health data collected by the Apple Watch is synced with Google Fit, though it may take some time to appear after setup. Users can also customize notification settings for each app through the Merge Watch app on their Android device. ECG recordings and sleep tracking data from the Apple Watch also appear on the Android phone. However, notifications received by the Apple Watch are delivered through the Merge Watch app rather than as native watchOS notifications, which creates a layered experience—like opening an app within an app. Unlike the iPhone, which automatically decides whether a notification should appear on the phone or the watch, the Android phone still vibrates with notifications even when the Apple Watch is in use. Merge Watch primarily uses Bluetooth to connect the Apple Watch with the Android device, rather than requiring an internet connection. However, there are times when the app fails to alert the user on their wrist, requiring them to manually launch the app on the Apple Watch to resume functionality. This can lead to delayed or grouped notifications when the app wakes from sleep. The app also uses more power on the Apple Watch due to continuous background activity fetching notifications. The app offers two subscription tiers, with the full feature set requiring a $6 monthly fee. While some users may prefer a one-time payment model, the app is considered reasonably reliable for those looking to use an Apple Watch with an Android device. The app’s privacy policy states that most data remains on the user’s devices, with notifications sent through an internet relay being end-to-end encrypted. Testing with an Apple Watch Series 10 on watchOS 27 and a OnePlus 15 running Android 16 showed mixed results, with occasional notification delays attributed to the Android device’s aggressive battery optimization settings.