Now Playing Plus is an Apple Watch utility that adds audio control complications to watch faces.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app removes the cognitive friction of navigating the watch App List or Dock to reach playback controls.
For Apple Watch users who want immediate access to audio playback controls directly from their watch face.
Key features
Provides corner and circular complications for Apple Watch faces to display audio controls.
Direct interface for audio playback controls on the watch face, bypassing the App List or Dock.
How much does it cost?
The app is listed as free with no observable in-app purchases or subscription gates.
Velocity
Dormant developmentnew contentShow more...
Now Playing Plus has been inactive for over a year, with no updates or feature releases since the latest version shipped 370 days ago. The development momentum is non-existent, as the app has not received any maintenance or content updates within the observed window. This extended period of silence indicates the project is currently in a zombie state.
Who built it?
The Iconfactory
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iPulse - Monitor Your DeviceUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Recent user voice shows a mixed sentiment. Users appreciate quick access to audio controls via watch face complications saves time compared to stock app navigation and persistent playback state allows users to resume audio without needing to reopen the primary streaming application.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Quick access to audio controls via watch face complications saves time compared to stock app navigation
- Persistent playback state allows users to resume audio without needing to reopen the primary streaming application
- Incomplete uninstallation leaves unusable complication icons cluttering the watch face selection menu after removal
25 of 25 recent reviews analyzed · moderate confidence · Mixed overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Now Playing Plus
How's the Music market?
Now Playing Plus holds a 3.68-star rating across 51 total ratings. The lack of updates for over 370 days signals a maintenance-only posture that risks obsolescence as watchOS evolves.
The rivals identified
The Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Now Playing Plus
Where is it heading?
The market for Apple Watch utilities is consolidating around apps that offer deep system integration. Now Playing Plus remains stalled, and the lack of updates since September 2025 means it is failing to keep pace with evolving watchOS capabilities, which will likely lead to declining usage.
- The lack of updates for over a year suggests a maintenance-only posture, which erodes user trust and risks obsolescence.
- The core complication-based utility remains a high-value differentiator for users seeking to bypass native watchOS navigation menus.
The SWOT
- Complication-based interface provides persistent, one-tap access to audio controls
- Adding live track metadata to complications would address the top user request
Next best moves
Audit uninstallation logic because users report ghost complications cluttering watch face menus → improve app hygiene
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's primary risk is not a competitor…
Read the full takeBottom line
Now Playing Plus provides a high-utility shortcut, but the lack of updates since September 2025 leaves it vulnerable. Addressing the uninstallation bug and adding live track metadata would stabilize the user experience and maintain its relevance against native watchOS improvements.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Now Playing Plus free to use?
Does Now Playing Plus work on all Apple Watch models?
Can I control AirPlay devices with Now Playing Plus?
Sources
- [1] App Store, source
Report last updated