iOS Beta Suggests Notifications for Third-Party Watches
▼ Summary
– Apple is developing features to improve interoperability between iPhones and third-party smartwatches, as indicated by the iOS 26.1 beta.
– A new “notification forwarding” feature would allow iPhone notifications to appear on non-Apple devices or accessories.
– Code suggests users could only forward notifications to one device at a time, and a new “AccessoryExtension” framework may improve the pairing process.
– These developments appear to be a response to an order from the European Commission under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
– The DMA requires Apple to open up features for better interoperability with third-party devices by the end of the year, though the exact rollout timeline and geographic availability are unclear.
A significant shift appears to be on the horizon for iPhone users who prefer third-party smartwatches. New evidence discovered within the latest iOS 26.1 beta points toward a native “notification forwarding” capability. This feature would allow alerts from an iPhone to appear directly on a connected non-Apple wearable or accessory, a function currently reserved almost exclusively for the Apple Watch. This development was first identified by code sleuths at Macworld, suggesting Apple is actively building greater interoperability.
The underlying code implies that users will likely be restricted to forwarding their notifications to a single accessory at any given time. Furthermore, the discovery of a new “AccessoryExtension” framework hints at a more streamlined and potentially more powerful pairing process for a wide range of third-party devices. While the exact mechanics remain unclear, these moves are widely interpreted as a direct response to regulatory pressure. The European Commission’s mandate under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is compelling Apple to dismantle walled gardens and ensure better compatibility with hardware from other manufacturers.
This push for openness is a core requirement of the DMA, which designates Apple as a “gatekeeper” of its iOS platform. The legislation forces the company to grant developers and accessory makers access to key functionalities. The goal is to create a level playing field, making it simpler to pair devices, transfer information, and, crucially, mirror notifications between an iPhone and products like competing smartwatches, headphones, and smart speakers. Apple faces a deadline at the end of the year to implement most of these changes. It is still uncertain, however, whether these specific features will debut with the anticipated iOS 26.1 release or if their availability will be geographically limited to users within the European Union.
(Source: The Verge)
