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iOS 26.1 Beta Hints at iPhone Notification Support for Third-Party Smartwatches

The code appears to reflect steps toward EU Digital Markets Act compliance requiring broader iPhone interoperability.

Overview

  • Developers found an unreleased Notification Forwarding option in iOS 26.1 beta that would display iPhone alerts on non-Apple devices.
  • Code strings indicate forwarding works with one accessory at a time and suppresses Apple Watch notifications when enabled.
  • References to an unfinished AccessoryExtension framework suggest Apple is building a new pairing process for third-party accessories.
  • Apple has not confirmed these features, and reporters say they could be restricted to EU markets under DMA orders or change before launch.
  • iOS 26.1 is expected in October, but outlets note notification forwarding may ship later as Apple faces an end-of-year DMA interoperability deadline.