An iOS app for controlling the clock has appeared, though not in the App Store.

It’s been a long time since CES earlier this year, and Samsung still hasn’t officially released its proprietary iOS smartwatch management utility.

However, progress does not stand still and today every iPhone owner can fully start using the Samsung S2 or S3 wearable gadget by installing the unreleased official Gear S3 application on their iOS gadget. True, not through the official App Store, but without any hacks and dancing with a tambourine.

Installation order

To connect your Samsung Gear S2 or S3 to your iPhone and forget about other smartwatches, you need a computer with iTunes. If it has not been launched for a long time, it’s time to update the program to the current version.

What should be done:

1. Download Gear S3 application file from here

2. Connect iPhone to computer and launch iTunes
3. Drag and drop the downloaded file into the iTunes application window
4. Open Apps in iTunes and drag the Gear S3 app to iPhone

After the synchronization is completed, the coveted Gear S3 icon will appear on the iPhone desktop. You can disconnect your smartphone from your computer.

Next, you need to allow iOS to launch this “suspicious”, from the point of view of the operating system, application. For this:

one. Go to Settings on iPhone
2. Then open the Device Management section and confirm the use of a corporate certificate from Samsung

After these simple manipulations, you can launch the Gear S3 application and connect to your smart watch using it with a single click of the «Connect» button.

What the Gear S3 + iPhone 6s can do

After successfully pairing the watch with a smartphone, the user can customize Samsung Gear — you can download and install new watch faces from the built-in store directly in the application.

The watch monitors the physical condition, counts calories, steps and heart rate. All notifications from the iPhone are duplicated on the watch, including notifications from games and iMessage.

You can configure the incoming notification stream in the Gear S3 application, where exactly two options are available: accept notifications or not receive them.

When a call comes in, the watch displays the caller’s number and name if the number is in the iPhone phone book. You can accept or reject a call using the ring that surrounds the screen, which doubles as a joystick. You will have to answer the call from the iPhone — you can’t talk by the clock.

The «OK Google» function does not work, nor does the Siri call function. Well, the application has not yet been officially released, perhaps they will finish it for the official release.

Unusual combination

The Samsung Gear S3 stands out from the competition with its steel body and round AMOLED screen. It is large and clear, notifications are perfectly visible in the light, not to mention the dark time of the day.

Even in the review of the previous version of the watch, Samsung Gear S2, I wrote about an unusual control element — a special bezel (ring) that is located around the screen and is a joystick for navigating the watch menu.

In the third version of the smart gadget, turning this ring is even more pleasant, a smooth ride with perceptible clicks is instantly addictive. Unlike the crown of the Apple Watch, the Gear S3 is a really convenient solution for interacting with the device.

The two physical buttons on the watch have not gone anywhere to quickly exit the menu and exit running applications. The buttons protrude noticeably, are pressed pleasantly, with a clear click.

Another indisputable plus is the ability to replace the complete strap without effort and special costs. Using a special button, you can easily remove the bars and replace the strap with any other — all standard (20 mm) watch straps fit.

Welcome Samsung

All happy owners of stylish watches Gear S2 or S3 are lucky — they can not spend money on an expensive accessory from Apple, but almost fully use their smart gadget with an iPhone. Samsung is going to keep its promise to support Apple products — the application runs smoothly, no crashes or freezes were noticed.

Minuses:

• Few apps and downloadable watch faces
• Not pairing with a medical card in iPhone
• The application is installed only through iTunes
• Voice assistants not working — both Google and Siri

Pros:

• Receive notifications, manage calls
• Large bright screen
• The clock looks like a clock
• Built-in NFC sensor
• Easy strap replacement
• Stainless steel body (316L)
• Dust and moisture protection according to IP68 standard
• Built-in GPS module

The third version of the popular Samsung smart watch looks very good on the wrist, and given the support for working with iOS, it is an excellent alternative to the controversial Apple Watch.