Why does the activity app require a watch?

[Pagemakers]

now the activity app can share data between users why is a watch required for the app the be installed? I have no friends with Apple watches.

An iPhone can be used to calculate steps - a watch is not required. Likewise other non-Apple devices can update the health app so why does apple only give the activity app to watch users?

 

[exxxviii]

Incentive to buy a watch?

 

[maflynn]

Incentive to buy a watch?

Yep, Apple is developing services/apps that basically promote the hardware.

 

[exxxviii]

Fitbit is taking an almost opposite strategy-- they are inviting anyone into the platform for free in the hope that people will buy some hardware.