Apple has started sending emails to registered iOS developers today inviting them to participate in a WatchKit lab held at the company’s Sunnyvale, CA campus. The lab will run from March 16th until April 30th, so developers will still have the ability to take advantage of the offer even after the device has shipped.
The lab will give developers a chance to test their software on the actual device instead of the simulator built into Xcode. This will be especially important for those who want to submit their apps for day-one availability, since Apple has instituted a rule that all watch app submission must include a screenshot created on the device itself, not in the simulator.
Each developer will be allowed to bring one additional team member to the lab, Apple is recommending that each development team that participates send both a software engineer and a designer. Developers will need to sign up quickly, as space is limited. Teams who take part in the lab will be able to reserve one day to test.
The full text of the email is below:
We’re looking forward to the innovation you’ll bring to the most personal product Apple has ever made. If you have a WatchKit app, Glance, or notification that’s ready to test on Apple Watch, you can reserve a day for testing at one of our upcoming labs.
The lab in Sunnyvale, California runs from March 16 through April 30, 2015. You may bring one other member of your development team in the iOS Developer Program. We recommend that an engineer and a designer attend from each team.
Seats are limited. Sign up today.
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Looks like it’s invite only. I can’t see it with my developer account. Not that it matters, as I’m not focusing on WatchKit yet.
Yes, invite only.
Got my appointment on April 8th. Very exited about testing Fitness Point Apple Watch app on real device!
I still haven’t gotten my invite and my Watch app is complete and ready to go.
So disappointed Apple Watch is too expensive in Europe it’s going cost even more. :( Sport model is ok rest too expensive.
“…since Apple has instituted a rule that all watch app submission must include a screenshot created on the device itself, not in the simulator.” Says who? I haven’t seen that anywhere but here…
Exactly Mark… can anyone tell us where it says you need a screenshot from a real device? What was the source of this? As far as I know, this is not the case and you will be able to submit with the released version of Xcode 6.2
Absolutely doesn’t make since especially when the rules of the email state:
“You may bring one personal iPhone into the lab. No other equipment is allowed. You agree that tape will be placed over the cameras on your MacBook and iPhone (or on your team member’s MacBook or iPhone) since no photography or video will be allowed at WatchKit labs.
No Video or Photography
The Apple Watch, including the Apple Watch OS, is Apple Confidential Information and subject to your applicable Apple Developer Agreements.
You may not, and you agree not to, take any photographs, video recordings, or screenshots of Apple Watch, including but not limited to any application trailers of your application running on Apple Watch, or any pictures inside of the WatchKit labs venues.”
So how are you supposed to get a screen shot of the app running on the watch when it’s not allowed???
Finally found a source! https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/LanguagesUtilities/Conceptual/iTunesConnect_Guide/Appendices/Properties.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40011225-CH26-SW1
Scroll down to the apple watch section
https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/LanguagesUtilities/Conceptual/iTunesConnect_Guide/Appendices/Properties.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40011225-CH26-SW1
Near the bottom of the page:
“One screenshot is required. Up to four additional screenshots can be uploaded. Screenshots must be created on Apple Watch, not in iOS Simulator.”
It says so in the iTunes Connect Guide: https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/LanguagesUtilities/Conceptual/iTunesConnect_Guide/iTunesConnect_Guide.pdf
Section Apple Watch Properties:”Screenshots must be created on Apple Watch, not in iOS Simulator.”
Did they just remove this requirement? It’s not there anymore!
The mails says below are the requirements
To take advantage of this lab, you will need to:
Bring your development MacBook.
Configure your MacBook with OS X Yosemite 10.10, Xcode 6.2, and iOS SDK 8.2.
Include your near-final WatchKit extension in your Xcode project.
But I updated my Xcode and SDK to “6.3” will that create any disturbance over there ?
Should i downgrade to 6.2 before going ?
Any one can you tell will Xcode 6.3 will create a problem over there ? or is it good enough ?