Why doesn't Google just make Android Wear available on the iOS App Store, already?

A while back, it looked like this was going to happen - there's code in Android Wear that suggests iOS compatibility is technically already possible. In a statement to Huffington Post, Google claimed that "[w]e always want as many users as possible to enjoy our experience, so in terms of enabling more people to use Android Wear we're very interested in making that happen."

The prospect of Android Wear devices working with an iPhone will almost certainly excite a few and offers a choice where previously there was only two, the Apple Watch or Pebble, which is more of an independent, culty outlier.

If neither design appeals, an iPhone user could then choose between the LG Watch R, Samsung's various Gear devices or Motorola's 360. Personally, I like the Watch's square-with-curved-edges design but many want a round display or a more durable device made of more durable materials. If Google opens it up, the choice will be there.

The interface between iOS and Android Wear would have to be an App Store app. Pebble has a similar system on iOS which lets the device tap into app notification APIs, broadcasting them to its e-paper display.

One potential issue is Apple not wanting Google to use its App Store to sell Android Wear apps. It does allow Pebble to do so, but for whatever reason, Apple seems not to perceive Pebble as a rival, whereas clearly, it does view Google as one.

However, given that apps are a long way down the list of smartwatch owners' list of essential features, could Google swallow that and just run a bare-bones iOS app for configuring notifications and accessing Maps, calendar appointments and other essentials, as well as giving access to Google Now.

Notifications are still THE killer app for wearables to date.

It's not as if Apple/Google "co-operation" is unheard of. Google already has all its core apps on iOS, from Mail to Search. So much of the ground is already laid.

The opportunity available to Google here is unique. No way, no how, is Apple going to allow its Watch to work on Android, so iOS support is a feature that would set the two platforms apart.

Smartwatches are accessories, and the same competition dynamics as smartphones do not apply. There are two dominant smartphone platforms and so Google has to bargain with the other and become available on all, just as their Web services are available across multiple browsers and operating systems.

In some ways this analogy is useful: watches with Android Wear are like Chromebooks, while Apple Watches are like Macs; neither sell in great numbers, but Google services are available on both, and so have more usage.

Whether the smart watch market is going to flourish like the smartphone market has is up for debate - and won't become apparent for another half decade or so.

Until recently, analysts were predicting good things for wearables. Business Insider's research arm, BI Intelligence, predicted that smartwatch sales would "explode" to over 90 million by 2018, made up predominantly of Android Wear devices. Even with Apple Watch "flopping", many remain bullish about the medium to long-term prospects for the sector.

Whatever happens regarding sales, Google's best move strategically is to make Android Wear available to as many devices as possible. Google does not have Apple's luxury of a large, rich set of customers who can afford to spend £300 or more on an accessory, but it could easily tap into that market, and give itself and wearables in general a big boost.