Vivo makes history, Android compatible with Apple ecosystem

On the day Apple grabbed the spotlight at WWDC, Vivo quietly created its own buzz with its new product. Product manager Han Boxiao showed off a slew of groundbreaking features in the upcoming Vivo X Fold5, marking a bold move to challenge Apple’s traditionally closed ecosystem.

This foldable flagship is positioned not only as a premium Android device, but also as Apple's first true "companion" in the Android world .

Vivo X Fold 5 is the first Android device that can fully connect to Apple Watch.

One of the most talked about upgrades is the ability to connect to the Apple Watch. Until now, Apple's smartwatches have been exclusive to the iPhone ecosystem, leaving Android users limited. However, that has changed with the X Fold5. Now, you can use the full functionality of the Apple Watch without an iPhone.

Vivo X Fold5 is the first Android phone in history that can connect to Apple Watch, allowing call and message notifications to be displayed from the X Fold5. More notably, health data from the watch can now be synced directly to the Vivo Health app, maintaining the user experience that Apple fans are familiar with without the need for an iPhone.

Vivo doesn't stop there. For users who own both Android and Apple devices, the X Fold5 introduces true device-to-device connectivity with an iPhone.

This means that SMS messages, verification codes, calls, and notifications received on the iPhone can be accessed and even responded to directly on the X Fold5.

This integration works in both directions, creating seamless interaction as if both phones were part of a single system. And all this using just one SIM card – no additional plans or setup required.

iCloud integration

One of the biggest barriers preventing users from switching to Android is iCloud. Vivo solves this problem by integrating iCloud natively, a first in Android history.

iCloud, which has been one of the biggest barriers for iPhone users to switch to Android devices.

Users can sign in to their Apple ID in the X Fold5's built-in file manager to access photos, documents, notes, and even shared albums on iCloud.

Notes can be edited and synced in real-time — just like on the iPhone — removing one of the last reasons users feel tied to Apple.

For creative professionals and Mac users, Vivo has another trick up its sleeve. The X Fold5 can act as an external display for your Mac, allowing users to drag tools, layers, and windows onto the spacious folding screen.

The setup is simple and effective, and once arranged, the layout can be remembered for future work sessions. This turns the X Fold5 into a portable productivity extension – perfect for multitasking.

The X Fold 5 is used as an extended screen for the Macbook very smoothly.

With the ability to connect to an Apple Watch, sync iPhone messages, access iCloud, and extend your Mac screen, the Vivo X Fold5 is more than just a foldable phone — it's a cross-platform companion.

Vivo announced that it is developing a function to support remote control of AirPods and even Macs, clearly Vivo is not only competing with Apple but also proposing to supplement and expand its usability.

For those in the Apple ecosystem who want flexibility without compromise, the Vivo X Fold5 could be the bridge they've been waiting for. The official launch is expected later this month.