Apple recently rolled out the initial public beta of iOS 26.1 to compatible iPhones, building on its prior developer release. Although official details are sparse, the release notes confirm it provides an early glimpse into future applications, functionalities, and technological advancements. This beta, identified as build 23B5044l, notably contains code that implies Apple is laying the groundwork for iPhones to better support third-party smartwatches, signaling broader device compatibility in a subsequent iOS update.
Third-Party Smartwatch Support: A Future Feature for iOS 26.1?
A report from Macworld indicates that the latest iOS 26.1 beta code includes an unreleased feature named “Notification Forwarding.” This functionality is designed to enable users to view iPhone notifications on non-Apple devices or accessories. Once live, this feature will be accessible and activatable within the iOS Settings app.
The report clarifies that, according to the beta code, Notification Forwarding will direct iPhone notifications to only one device at a time. This means if you choose to send them to a non-Apple accessory, your Apple Watch will not receive those notifications.
Furthermore, the report points to new frameworks, such as “AccessoryExtension,” suggesting an easier process for pairing third-party accessories with iPhones. It’s important to note, however, that Apple might not fully implement enhanced smartwatch compatibility in iOS 26.1 directly. This functionality is more likely to be introduced in a subsequent update, with the current beta primarily focusing on establishing the foundational code.
The global availability of features like Notification Forwarding is still unconfirmed, and they might be subject to regional regulations. For example, the EU previously urged Apple to enhance iPhone compatibility with third-party smartwatches. Consequently, similar to how EU users already have access to unique features like app sideloading and alternative app stores, expanded smartwatch support could initially be exclusive to the EU.
Beyond potential smartwatch integrations, the initial public beta of iOS 26.1 also brings notable new functionalities, including Live Translation support for AirPods in five new languages and the expansion of Apple Intelligence to eight additional languages.
iOS 26.1 beta 1 also includes a new intuitive swipe gesture for Apple Music, allowing users to effortlessly switch tracks. A simple left or right swipe on the MiniPlayer – whether it’s fully expanded or minimized – will change songs. This gesture is enhanced with fluid “Liquid Glass” animations and precise haptic feedback, where a left swipe advances to the next track and a right swipe reverts to the previous one.
Additionally, the iOS 26.1 beta brings several visual and functional refinements. The Photos app now reportedly features a redesigned video playback scrubber, and the Calendar app’s List view utilizes full-width color highlights for all events. The Phone app’s keypad has also received a visual refresh, incorporating the sleek “Liquid Glass” effects.
Furthermore, the beta’s underlying code points to future support for “agentic AI” features through MCP. Since this is just the initial beta release, Apple is expected to unveil additional features and modifications in subsequent iOS 26.1 updates.