M&S launches Apple Watch cooking app with shopping list function

The retailer has released a version of its Cook With M&S app for the smartwatch, which suggests recipes and includes a shopping list feature that allows users to tick off groceries from their wrists as they shop.

The Apple Watch app also provides timing notifications that tell cooks when food needs taking out of the oven or off the boil.

The app was developed by the retailer’s Digital Labs initiative.

Peter Wright, product developer for M&S Digital Labs, said: “In the Digital Labs team, we always ask how tech can improve the customer experience, and specifically for the app, how can digital enhance the cooking process?”

The original Cook With M&S mobile app was downloaded 150,000 times in three months. The Digital Labs team listened to customer feedback to adapt it for the Apple Watch.

Wright said: “While currently only in its infancy in terms of mainstream consumer use, over the next year the role of wearable tech in customers’ everyday lives is set to grow as developments like the Apple Watch come to market.

“The way our Digital Labs team works, by constantly iterating and getting product to market as quickly as possible, means we have the capabilities to stay one step ahead in reacting to trends and anticipating customer demand.”

Some styles of the Apple Watch sold out during the pre-order period before its April 24 launch date. Retailers including Asos and Ocado have revealed details and launched apps for the watch, and Dixons Carphone said it will sell the device “in due course”.