Snapchat messaging is now on Apple Watch

Snapchat on Thursday officially launched a native app for the Apple Watch, bringing its signature fast-paced messaging to users' wrists.

While major tech players like Instagram and Uber have long exited the smartwatch scene, Snapchat is betting on the opposite: that users still want to stay connected in more compact, subtle ways.

Unlike the photo-heavy experience of the main app, Snapchat’s Apple Watch version is focused on messaging.

The app will allow users to view incoming chats and reply instantly, without pulling out their phones.

You will, however, not be taking selfies or accessing the camera or watching stories from the watch. But you can respond using a tiny keyboard, emoji, voice dictation, or even Scribble.

It is quick, lightweight, and designed for what Snapchat calls “micro-connections.”

“We know people want to stay in touch, whether they’re commuting, at the gym, or in a meeting,” a Snap spokesperson said.

“This version makes it easier to keep conversations flowing, no matter where you are.”

Snapchat’s decision to lean into the smartwatch ecosystem stands out because most platforms have scaled back their smartwatch features, citing low engagement or limited use cases.

However, users will have to have watchOS 9 or later. It is also compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and up.

Users must also pair with the latest Snapchat iPhone app.