iOS 26.1 beta prepares support for third‑party smartwatches
Apple’s iOS 26.1 beta contains references to a hidden option called “Notification Forwarding” that appears to enable forwarding iPhone notifications to non‑Apple smartwatches such as the Amazfit Active. The feature is still in beta and may change before release.
What we know
- Notification Forwarding surfaced in iOS 26.1 beta code and seems designed to let users forward app alerts from the iPhone to a single third‑party wearable at the system level.
- The implementation appears to use an AccessoryExtension framework to communicate with non‑Apple devices.
- When enabled, notifications may be routed to the chosen third‑party device, and notifications on an Apple Watch can be disabled while forwarding is active.
- Apple could roll this out selectively; regulatory environments (for example the EU) might influence availability.
What this means for Amazfit and other brands
Current Amazfit watches (Amazfit Active, Active 2, etc.) already receive iPhone notifications through their companion apps (Zepp/ZAP) and Bluetooth pairing. iOS‑level Notification Forwarding would simplify and standardize that integration, making alerts feel more native and reliable.
How to get notifications on Amazfit today
- Install the Amazfit (Zepp) companion app on your iPhone.
- Pair the watch via Bluetooth and grant the app notification permissions.
- Enable notification sync inside the companion app as instructed by the manufacturer.
Links & further reading
- Report: MacObserver — iOS 26.1 could bring support for third‑party smartwatches
- Buy/compare Amazfit Active on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Amazfit+Active&tag=f1rede-20
Note: The original RSS feed link was omitted.
Beta status: iOS 26.1 is still in beta — details and availability may change before official release.
What would you like to see from native third‑party smartwatch support? Reply below.