Apple may be on the verge of introducing a groundbreaking functionality that could significantly enhance the capabilities of third-party smartwatches when connected to an iPhone. According to insights from Macworld, recent findings in the code for iOS 26.1 suggest the development of a feature known as Notification Forwarding. This innovation is poised to allow users to customize which applications can send notifications to their connected accessories.
The code reveals a line stating, "Choose which apps can send notifications to your accessory," indicating that users will have the flexibility to select their preferred apps. However, it’s important to note that notifications can only be forwarded to one accessory at a time. Additionally, the code specifies that when Notification Forwarding is activated, notifications will not appear on the Apple Watch. This limitation may suggest a targeted approach to managing notifications across devices.
Alongside the Notification Forwarding feature, there are mentions of new accessory pairing functionalities, including an AccessoryExtension framework. This framework is designed to facilitate the pairing process between a third-party device and an iPhone. While the exact implications of these developments are still unclear, they hint at a more integrated experience for users of third-party smartwatches.
The ambiguity surrounding these features raises questions about their applicability to third-party smartwatches. However, the European Union's Digital Markets Act mandates that Apple provide third-party devices access to notifications and functionalities typically reserved for the Apple Watch. This regulatory pressure could be a driving force behind Apple's recent developments in smartwatch connectivity.
Furthermore, Apple's limited support for competing devices has become a central argument in the ongoing Apple vs. Department of Justice antitrust case. The DoJ alleges that Apple inhibits third-party smartwatches from offering features comparable to the Apple Watch by restricting their access to cellular connectivity and incoming notifications. This lawsuit has significant implications for how Apple interacts with third-party device manufacturers.
In response to the DoJ's assertions, Apple has been actively addressing these claims since the lawsuit was filed over a year and a half ago. Notably, the DoJ's previous claim regarding Apple's suppression of cloud streaming games has become less relevant, as Apple has since introduced support for these capabilities in iOS 17.4. Additionally, the DoJ criticized Apple's delayed support for RCS messaging, but with the launch of iOS 18, Apple has now implemented RCS support to enhance cross-platform communication.
While the Notification Forwarding feature may initially seem to align with EU regulations, there is potential for it to become a globally available functionality. As Apple continues to adapt its features in response to legal and market pressures, the introduction of these capabilities could mark a significant shift in how third-party smartwatches interact with iPhones.
