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Apple’s iOS 26.1 Beta Enhances Third-Party Smartwatch Interoperability

9/25/2025

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Apple shows new interoperability with third-party smartwatches in iOS 26.1 beta.
Notification Forwarding would display iPhone alerts on non-Apple devices, limited to one accessory.
AccessoryExtension framework could simplify pairing for third-party devices.
EU Digital Markets Act underpins the interoperability push.
The U.S. Department of Justice is reviewing Apple's smartwatch restrictions; it’s unclear if changes go global.

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Story summary

Apple shows new interoperability with third-party smartwatches in iOS 26.1 beta.
Notification Forwarding would display iPhone alerts on non-Apple devices, limited to one accessory.
AccessoryExtension framework could simplify pairing for third-party devices.
EU Digital Markets Act underpins the interoperability push.
The U.S. Department of Justice is reviewing Apple's smartwatch restrictions; it’s unclear if changes go global.