App-Device Fit Matters: Understanding User Perceptions of Apps on Smartwatches and Smartphones

Abstract

The smartwatch market is rapidly expanding, with a diverse range of apps now available to users. This study examines users’ perceptions and attitudes toward apps on smartwatches and smartphones. Our experiment revealed that users did not generally perceive apps and the information they provide as more credible, timely, or of higher quality on smartwatches than on smartphones. Instead, the study identified app-device fit as the key factor that influences users’ perceptions. For apps that fit particularly well with smartwatches, such as body-related apps for health and sleep tracking, users rated app credibility, timeliness of data, information quality, and their overall attitude towards using the app higher on the specialized device (i.e., smartwatch) than on smartphones. However, no significant differences were found for sports-related domains, such as hiking and surfing. To optimize user experience, app developers should carefully consider the fit between the app and the device.