{"id":58893,"date":"2025-09-24T02:55:23","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T00:55:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=58893"},"modified":"2025-09-24T02:57:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T00:57:36","slug":"iphones-will-soon-be-more-open-to-smartwatches-from-other-brands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/news\/iphones-wohl-bald-offener-fuer-smartwatches-anderer-marken","title":{"rendered":"iPhones likely to soon be more open to smartwatches from other brands"},"content":{"rendered":"

Apple is apparently testing a new feature that could improve collaboration between the iPhone and third-party smartwatches. Hints of a possible new interface for notifications and accessory integration have been discovered in the beta version of iOS 26.1. Nothing has been officially confirmed, but the code changes are clear. It could be an indication of a strategic shift in direction, triggered by regulatory pressure from the EU and the US.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a long time, the iPhone was heavily geared toward the Apple Watch. While other smartwatches could be paired, they had little access to system functions. The display and management of notifications was particularly limited. Users of non-Apple smartwatches often only received basic information\u2014without any ability to interact. Full support remained reserved for the Apple Watch. This fit well with Apple's closed-loop strategy, but repeatedly drew criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notification Forwarding: Hints in the iOS code<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The iOS 26.1 code now contains the first reference<\/a> to a new feature called "Notification Forwarding." One line of text states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Choose which apps can send notifications to your accessory.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Another line explains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Notifications can be forwarded to one accessory at a time. Notifications will not appear on Apple Watch if notification forwarding is enabled.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This wording suggests that notifications can be specifically forwarded to another device\u2014such as a third-party smartwatch. At the same time, the Apple Watch will be deactivated in this case. This suggests that Apple is rethinking its accessory prioritization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New framework for accessory pairing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In addition to notification forwarding, a new system module called "AccessoryExtension" was also discovered. This could be a framework that facilitates the pairing of accessories \u2013 presumably including smartwatches. Technically, this would be a prerequisite for better integrating third-party devices into the iPhone ecosystem. It is still unclear whether these features are being actively tested or whether they will be implemented at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pressure from the EU and the US Department of Justice<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The changes come as no surprise. In the European Union, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) obliges companies like Apple to open their systems to competing providers. Access to notifications, cellular functions, or other system areas should no longer be exclusive to Apple products. The new notices could therefore be part of an adjustment to the legal requirements. Apple is also under scrutiny in the USA. In an ongoing antitrust case, the Department of Justice (DoJ) accuses the company, among other things, of deliberately discriminating against third-party smartwatches. The main criticism is that competing devices are denied access to cellular connections and cannot respond to incoming notifications. According to the DoJ, Apple has used the market power of its devices to exclude other providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n