Apple has just released the first beta version of iOS 26.3 and introduced several new features that will be available on compatible iPhones. The update adds a new transfer tool that should make switching to an Android device much smoother, a weather background panel for lock screen customization, and most importantly, support for displaying iPhone notifications on third-party wearables.
According to MacRumors, the iOS 26 beta build includes a new “Notification Forwarding” setting that, when enabled, forwards incoming iPhone notifications to non-Apple wearables. This means iPhone users can now view notifications on smartwatches from other manufacturers, albeit with some restrictions.
Users can enable the feature in the Notifications section of the Settings app and select a wearable on which they want to receive notifications. They can also choose whether they want to receive all notifications or alerts from specific apps on the selected wearable.
The feature’s description notes that only one wearable can receive forwarded notifications at a time. It also adds that with notification forwarding enabled, alerts will no longer appear on an Apple Watch connected to the same iPhone.
Despite these limitations, this feature represents a notable change in Apple’s stance on supporting notifications on third-party wearables. The update opens the door to broader accessory compatibility, allowing iPhone users to pair their devices with other brands of smartwatches and receive notifications that include details such as the app name and notification content.
Notification forwarding is currently limited to the EU
Apple appears to be adding this feature due to regulatory pressure in the EU, which requires the company to give smartwatches and other third-party devices access to notifications and features previously reserved for the Apple Watch. Therefore, notification forwarding is currently limited to European markets, although the setting may be available in other regions.
It remains to be seen whether Apple will expand availability to other regions until iOS 26.3 hits the stable channel. The update is expected to be available on all compatible iPhones next month.
