But new code found in iOS 26.1 beta 1 suggests Apple may finally be opening the door for third party wearables to work more closely with the iPhone. Notification Forwarding in TestingAccording to Macworld, the beta includes an unreleased feature called Notification Forwarding. If implemented, these changes could ease pairing for users who prefer third party wearables or other accessories with iPhones. Notification access was a key part of those requirements, making it plausible that Notification Forwarding is designed with EU compliance in mind. iOS 26.1 is expected to roll out for public in October, but Notification Forwarding may not launch immediately.