iOS 26.3 opens iPhone notifications for third-party wearables

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With iOS 26.3, Apple significantly expands the functionality of notifications. For the first time, the system allows iPhone notifications to be forwarded to third-party wearables. This change not only affects the technical aspects of iOS but is also directly related to regulatory pressure on Apple, both in the European Union and the USA. iOS 26.3 thus marks an important step towards greater openness to external devices.

Until now, iPhone notifications were largely restricted to the Apple Watch. Smartwatches from other manufacturers had very limited access, which significantly restricted their usability in conjunction with the iPhone. With iOS 26.3, Apple responds to this criticism and introduces, for the first time, an official system setting that allows notifications to be forwarded to an external wearable. However, Apple remains consistent in imposing certain restrictions to maintain control over the system.

New setting in iOS 26.3: Notification forwarding

iOS 26.3 introduces a new option called "Notification Forwarding." This can be found in the Settings app under "Notifications." This setting allows you to forward incoming notifications from your iPhone to a third-party wearable device.

Apple only allows notification forwarding to one device at a time. Once notification forwarding is enabled for a third-party wearable, the Apple Watch will no longer receive or display notifications. Simultaneous use of multiple devices is explicitly prohibited.

Selecting individual apps for forwarding

A key component of the new feature in iOS 26.3 is the ability to restrict notification forwarding. Not every notification needs to be sent to the external wearable. Instead, you can specify that only notifications from certain apps are forwarded.

The received notifications contain the name of the respective app as well as the full content of the message. This means that the same information is available on the wearable as on the iPhone itself. No content is shortened or simplified.

In connection with the Digital Markets Act

Apple isn't introducing notification forwarding in iOS 26.3 without a specific reason. The European Union's Digital Markets Act requires large platform operators to open their systems more to third-party providers. This includes access to features that were previously exclusive to certain Apple products.

Smartwatches and other third-party wearables are to be given the ability to receive iPhone notifications in a manner comparable to the Apple Watch, according to DMA regulations. The new feature in iOS 26.3 is a direct response to these regulatory requirements.

Significance for the antitrust proceedings in the USA

Apple is also under pressure in the US. The US Department of Justice is pursuing an antitrust case against the company. A key allegation is that Apple is deliberately disadvantaging third-party smartwatches by restricting their access to incoming iPhone notifications. This would prevent these devices from offering Apple Watch-like features.

With iOS 26.3, Apple is attempting to counter this criticism. The improved support for third-party wearables removes a key point of contention for the Department of Justice in the ongoing legal proceedings. Apple is thus actively working to mitigate the allegations raised in the lawsuit.

iOS 26.3 opens notifications for external wearables

iOS 26.3 brings a fundamental change to how notifications are handled on the iPhone. The introduction of notification forwarding for third-party wearables opens the system up beyond the Apple Watch for the first time. At the same time, Apple maintains clear limitations, such as restricting it to a single device. The change is less a voluntary shift in strategy than a response to regulatory and legal pressure. Nevertheless, for the market, iOS 26.3 means more choice and better usability for external wearables. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apfelpatient)