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When Apple Inc’s iPhone was released in 2007, the initial driving force behind the smartphone was its must-have applications, all available in one convenient location, the App Store. With the Apple Watch — which is just weeks away from its April 24 release — a number of Canadian developers are betting apps will once again be huge draw for consumers purchasing Apple’s device that starts at $449.

“To use any hardware you need software and this is where the ‘killer app’ idea comes in,” said Toronto-based wearable expert and We Are Wearables founder, Tom Emrich.

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“It won’t be just one app, of course, but it’s this notion that there is at least one thing specific for each user that they feel is adding value to their life… Don’t get me wrong, the sensors, chips and design are wholly important, but like the waves of computing before – it will be software that will bring these devices to life.”

True to Apple’s reputation for ensuring third-party developers remain silent about upcoming devices until the company gives them the go-ahead, the teams behind popular Canadian-developed applications such as Transit App, Tab Payments andQuick Fit can’t divulge details regarding their future plans for the Apple Watch.

But one point remains abundantly clear – developers see significant potential.

“There are a lot of things we can’t say yet, but we’re very excited about the Apple Watch. We think that our type of app is really well geared for that type of device and we’re pretty excited Apple highlighted us during their watch event,” said, Jake Sion, leader of strategy and development for the Montreal-developed application Transit App, one of the most popular mobile transportation-focused applications.

According to Mr. Sion, the Apple Watch will work perfectly with Transit App’s focus on giving users quick, at-a-glance information related to public transportation routes.