Companion apps: how they support physical products and services

In recent years, you have surely noticed how more and more physical products — from household appliances to fitness accessories to cars — come with a dedicated app.
These are called companion apps, and they represent the digital bridge between you and the physical world. But what are they really, and why are they becoming so central to the user experience?

In the past, buying a product meant taking home a “finished” object. Today, however, that product is just the entry point into a larger ecosystem.
The companion app adds intelligence, personalisation and connectivity. It allows you to configure, control and monitor what you own, transforming a simple device into a continuous, interactive experience.

Consider a smart thermostat: without the app, you could adjust it manually, but thanks to the digital interface, you can set automatic routines, control it remotely and receive suggestions for optimising consumption. The app is not just an extension: it becomes an integral part of the product itself.

From a business perspective, companion apps are also a valuable relationship tool. Through the app, the brand can offer you personalized assistance, software updates, exclusive content or targeted promotions.
And, above all, it can collect usage data (anonymously) to constantly improve the product and understand how it is actually used.

For you, however, this means having direct contact with the manufacturer, without having to go through call centres or confusing websites. Everything is simpler, more immediate and tailored to your needs.

One of the main advantages of companion apps is the personalisation of the experience.
Through the app, you can adapt the product’s behaviour to your preferences, save profiles, create routines or integrate external services. In the case of a fitness device, for example, you can monitor your progress, receive tailored advice and connect the app to other platforms for a smooth and consistent experience.

This shifts the perceived value from the individual object to the complete service that surrounds it. The product no longer ends with the purchase: it grows and evolves with you.

Of course, all this requires careful and consistent design. A companion app must be intuitive, reliable and well integrated with the hardware, otherwise it risks becoming a hindrance rather than a benefit.

The goal is not to duplicate functions, but to amplify the value of the physical product through a seamless digital experience.

Companies that succeed in striking this balance create a strong bond with the user: they are not just selling an object, but a relationship. And you, in return, get a product that adapts, updates and accompanies you over time.