iOS 26.1 Beta Reveals Potential Galaxy Watch Compatibility with iPhone for Third-Party Wearables

Apple appears to be making strides toward allowing iPhones to seamlessly connect with smartwatches beyond its own offerings. The newest beta version of iOS 26.1 features indications of potential support for third-party wearable devices, including notable brands like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch and Google’s Pixel Watch. Should this enhancement make its way into the final public release, it could signify a profound transformation in the way Apple products interface with non-Apple hardware.

iOS 26.1 Beta Unveils Notification Forwarding and New Frameworks for Third-Party Smartwatch Compatibility

Recent analyses, including insights from Macworld, reveal that the iOS 26.1 beta introduces a noteworthy feature called Notification Forwarding. This functionality permits iPhone notifications to be sent to “one accessory at a time.”Interestingly, if users opt to forward notifications to a third-party smartwatch while also using an Apple Watch, the notifications on the Apple Watch will be disabled to avoid conflicts.

Additionally, the beta contains references to a new software framework named AccessoryExtension, designed to enhance the pairing and communication capabilities between iPhones and third-party accessories. While the current implementation is still a work in progress, its mere inclusion indicates Apple’s commitment to broadening the compatibility of its devices with alternatives to its own products.

The latest iOS beta code includes an unreleased feature called Notification Forwarding. As the name suggests, it will let users choose to show notifications from their iPhone on another non-Apple device or accessory. Once available, the feature can be enabled in Settings.

One of the strings found in the code suggests that notifications can only be forwarded to “one accessory at a time, ” and that enabling this option disables notifications on the Apple Watch.

These forthcoming changes from Apple may be motivated by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which encourages the tech giant to support third-party accessories. This regulatory pressure is also mirrored in the United States, compelling Apple to adapt preemptively to avoid further legal complications.

Currently, details about the extent of this compatibility are unclear. There is potential for Apple to broaden its ecosystem to include third-party applications, which could encompass functionalities like fitness tracking, advanced health metrics, and deeper system integrations. However, it is likely that Apple will initially restrict support to basic features, such as notifications.

As this development may provide iPhone users with greater freedom to choose their preferred smartwatches, it could also entice new users eager to maintain their existing wearable technology while utilizing an iPhone. Expect Apple to roll out additional updates and extensions to this feature in upcoming beta iterations of iOS 26.1, making it worthwhile to monitor future releases.

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