Archive · 24 Sep 2025
iOS 26.1 Beta Hints at Third-Party Wearable Compatibility
Apple is working on making iPhones more friendly to other companies' smartwatches.
This is because Apple has released a new software update for developers.
The update includes a feature called 'Notification Forwarding' that might let your iPhone show notifications on your non-Apple watch.
It also includes an easier way to connect your third-party device with your iPhone.
This change may be in response to new rules in Europe, but may not be available everywhere.
iOS 26.1 beta suggests Apple is increasing compatibility with third-party wearables.
A new Notification Forwarding feature may allow iPhone notifications on non-Apple devices.
AccessoryExtension could provide easier device pairing.
Features may be initially limited to users in the European Union.
These changes may be related to EU regulations.
- Who
- Apple
- What
- Is making under-the-hood changes in iOS 26.1
- When
- With the iOS 26.1 Developer beta update
- Where
- iOS
- Why
- Potentially to comply with EU regulations and improve third-party accessory support
- Software Update
- iOS 26.1 Developer beta
- Key Feature
- Notification Forwarding
- Potential Impact
- Third-party wearable compatibility
- Accessory Pairing
- Framework called AccessoryExtension
- EU Focus
- May be limited to European Union users
- Supported Devices
- iPhone 11 and later, iPhone SE
