Apple’s newest software release, iOS 26.3, is set to introduce a feature that could reshape how third-party wearables interact with the iPhone when it’s released in early 2026.
While it appears small on the surface, the new Notification Forwarding setting spotted in the new iOS 26.3 beta hints at a more open ecosystem and a shift in how Apple is responding to regulatory pressure in Europe.
The feature appears in the Notifications section of the Settings app, where a new option called Notification Forwarding now sits. Once enabled, incoming iPhone alerts can be forwarded directly to a compatible third-party wearable instead of an Apple Watch. It is a clear step toward giving non-Apple devices access to system-level features that were previously locked behind Apple’s hardware.
Apple notes that Notification Forwarding can only be active for one device at a time. This means that if a user forwards their notifications to a third-party device, the Apple Watch will not receive or display those alerts during that period. It is a limitation that keeps Apple’s ecosystem structure intact while still meeting new regulatory obligations.
Users can also control how much information is passed on. Forwarding can be limited to notifications from selected apps, rather than mirroring every alert on the phone. When a notification is sent to a wearable, it will include the app name and the full content, matching what the user sees on their iPhone.
Although the option appears globally across all iPhones running the iOS 26.3 beta, Notification Forwarding only works in the European Union.
Apple confirmed that the feature is restricted to EU users due to upcoming compliance requirements under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA compels Apple to open up certain capabilities to competitors, including access to notifications and related system features traditionally reserved for the Apple Watch and Apple’s own accessories.
While the feature is still limited, its inclusion marks an early sign of how Apple may approach expanded third-party integration in the future. As regulatory scrutiny continues, more capabilities could eventually become accessible to external developers and hardware manufacturers.
For a wider look at everything new, check out our full iOS 26 release article.
