How do I develop a stand-alone Watch app that doesn't depend on synching with the iOS counterpart?

To develop a stand-alone Watch app that doesn't depend on syncing with an iOS counterpart, you can leverage the capabilities introduced in watchOS 11. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Widgets and Live Activities: With watchOS 11, you can create interactive widgets using the same APIs as on iOS and macOS. This allows you to provide timely and contextual information directly on the Apple Watch without needing an iOS app. You can specify relevant contexts to ensure your widgets appear when most useful, such as time of day or location. This is discussed in the Platforms State of the Union.

2. Live Activities: If you have already implemented live activities on iOS, these can be extended to Apple Watch. The system automatically leverages your existing work to provide a live activity experience on the watch. You can customize these activities specifically for the Apple Watch to ensure they are informative and relevant. This is covered in the session Bring your Live Activity to Apple Watch.

3. Swift 6 and Data Isolation: When developing for watchOS, consider using Swift 6, which offers full data isolation enforcement. This can help ensure your app is robust and free from data races, which is crucial for a stand-alone app. More details on this can be found in the session Migrate your app to Swift 6.

By focusing on these areas, you can create a stand-alone Apple Watch app that provides a rich user experience without relying on an iOS counterpart.