Apple May Finally Open iPhone to Third-Party Smartwatches
▼ Summary
– iOS 26.1 beta code suggests iPhones may gain better compatibility with third-party smartwatches through a feature called Notification Forwarding.
– This unreleased feature would allow users to choose which devices, like non-Apple smartwatches, display notifications from their iPhone.
– Code also indicates the update could make the process of pairing third-party accessories with an iPhone easier.
– The beta update includes other potential features like new languages for AirPods Live Translation and Apple Intelligence.
– These features are not guaranteed for the final iOS 26.1 release, which is expected in October.
For iPhone users who have long felt limited by wearable choices, a significant shift may be on the horizon. A discovery within the latest iOS beta code suggests Apple is preparing to open up its ecosystem to third-party smartwatches, potentially ending the current dominance of the Apple Watch. This move could fundamentally alter the wearable market for millions of iPhone owners.
Currently, while the market offers a wide array of compelling smartwatches from brands like Garmin, Fitbit, and Google, their functionality is often restricted when paired with an iPhone. The newly spotted code in the iOS 26.1 beta points to an unreleased feature named “Notification Forwarding.” This functionality would grant users the power to select which connected devices, such as a non-Apple smartwatch or fitness tracker, can display alerts from their iPhone. Additional code hints at a simplified pairing process for these third-party accessories, making the initial setup far more straightforward.
Beyond this potential gateway for wearable compatibility, the beta update includes several other enhancements. Reports indicate the addition of five new languages for AirPods Live Translation and eight more for Apple Intelligence features. Users can also expect a new swiping gesture within Apple Music and its MiniPlayer, updated views for the Calendar app, and a fresh playback scrubber for the Photos app.
It is crucial to remember that these features are still in the testing phase. There is no guarantee they will be included in the final public release of iOS 26.1, which is anticipated to arrive sometime in October. Software betas are inherently experimental, and Apple frequently modifies or removes functionalities before a stable launch. However, the presence of this code offers a promising glimpse into a future where iPhone users might finally enjoy true freedom of choice in their wearable technology.
(Source: Mashable)
