iPhone to Support Third-Party Smartwatches in Upcoming iOS Update
CUPERTINO, CA – Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 beta reveals the company is preparing to allow iPhones to connect with smartwatches manufactured by companies other than Apple. Code analysis indicates a forthcoming “Notification Forwarding” feature will enable users to route notifications from their iPhone to a single smartwatch accessory, effectively pausing notifications on their Apple Watch when another device is selected.
This potential shift marks a significant departure for Apple, historically focused on maintaining a closed ecosystem around its Apple Watch.The move comes amid increasing regulatory pressure, particularly in the European Union, concerning device interoperability and consumer choice. The update could impact millions of iPhone users who currently rely solely on Apple Watch for smartwatch functionality, and opens the door for competitors to more seamlessly integrate with the dominant mobile platform.
The discovery, first reported by MacWorld, centers on new frameworks within the iOS 26.1 beta designed to simplify accessory pairing. These frameworks, including an “accessory extension,” suggest a streamlined process for connecting third-party devices to iPhones.
While the inclusion of these features in the final iOS 26.1 release-expected in October-isn’t guaranteed, the code’s presence strongly suggests Apple is actively developing the capability. The company may choose to delay activation until a future update or limit availability to specific regions subject to compatibility regulations.
