Apple might be preparing to loosen its grip on smartwatch integration with the iPhone. Code discovered in iOS 26.1 suggests a new feature called Notification Forwarding, which appears to let users choose which apps can send notifications to an accessory — potentially including third-party smartwatches. The system notes that only one accessory can receive forwarded notifications at a time, and that enabling the feature would disable them on an Apple Watch.
There are also references to a new AccessoryExtension framework, which could streamline pairing between iPhones and non-Apple devices. While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed its purpose, the timing is telling. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act requires Apple to provide competing devices — such as smartwatches — broader access to notifications and system-level features typically reserved for the Apple Watch.
This is also one of the points in the U.S. Department of Justice’s ongoing antitrust case against Apple. Regulators argue that Apple deliberately restricts third-party watches from offering functionality on par with the Apple Watch, citing barriers around notifications, lack of cellular connectivity, and limitations on interacting with incoming alerts.
Apple has already shifted its stance on several of the DoJ’s earlier complaints. The company now supports cloud gaming apps, has implemented RCS messaging for cross-platform texting, and opened up NFC access to payment providers. Expanding notification support to third-party smartwatches could be the next concession, either as a direct response to EU regulation, U.S. legal pressure, or both.
For now, it’s unclear whether Notification Forwarding will remain an EU-only compliance measure or become a global feature. But if it rolls out widely, iPhone owners could finally get a more complete smartwatch experience from brands beyond Apple’s own lineup.
