Facebook promised an Apple Watch app last month, but it's still missing

Apple CEO Tim Cook shows off the Facebook app for the Apple Watch in March.

Back in March, Apple gave the world a close look at its first wearable, weeks before the device officially debuted in stores.

Developers worked quickly to equip the Apple Watch with everything from an official Twitter app, to an eBay app and even a Chipotle app, but one app seemingly previewed on stage during the March event remains missing: Facebook.

At the time, Apple prominently displayed the social network working on the Apple Watch.

"You can connect to social media," CEOTim Cook said, as a large image of a Facebook logo-emblazoned notification flashed on the display behind him. The screenshot of the Apple Watch Facebook notification showed an example of a photo-tag notification, and an option to dismiss it. The screenshot looked like an app, but it wasn't. It turns out that it was just a notification screen pushed from the iPhone's existing Facebook app.

Adding to the confusion, both apps mentioned in the same presentation screens as Facebook — ESPN and CNN — have dedicated apps currently available in the Apple Watch app store. But more than a month later, as consumers are finally getting their handson the watch, Facebook's app is nowhere to be found.

"We’re excited for the launch of the Apple Watch," a Facebook spokesperson told Mashable when asked about the app. "We have nothing to announce today, but we’re always evaluating new platforms to build the best Facebook experience for people."

The missing app did not go unnoticed by new Apple Watch owners, who tweeted their surprise at the device's lack of Facebook functionality.

where is the Facebook app for the #AppleWatch and why can't I create a new tweet? #frustrated

— Rebecca, CPA (@Rebecca_AZ) April 25, 2015

I’m surprised that the Facebook app isn’t on Apple Watch at launch. It’s the kind of thing where you want to see the full notification.

— Ben Dodson (@bendodson)April 24, 2015

Facebook app for Apple Watchhttp://t.co/NWKeeDhDpppic.twitter.com/gUo9OXvZeg

— su9988uu (@super00110) April 25, 2015

So there is no Facebook app at all for Apple Watch?

— Chris. (@chriswb) April 25, 2015

Some may speculate that the omission is due to industry politics, but the fact that Facebook's own Instagram app is already available in the Apple Watch store should eliminate these concerns. And despite the odd app omission, based on the prominent placement of Facebook in the March presentation, it's likely that a Facebook app is still in the works.

Additional reporting by Karissa Bell

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