Apple confirms strict rules for new iPhone features for Garmin Fenix 8 and other third party smartwatches

Just a few months ago, Apple published a propaganda statement to turn end users against the European Union in a final attempt to prevent the further opening of the iOS ecosystem. Without success. Apple's concerns about jeopardizing users' security and privacy were not credible, as users can ultimately decide for themselves whether to use a third-party smartwatch.

As part of the Digital Markets Act, Apple must allow smartwatch manufacturers to access push notifications and live activities in future. After iOS 26.3 has laid the foundation, it is expected that the so-called "Notification Forwarding" will finally be fully available with iOS 26.5. To prepare for this, Apple has published a new license agreement for developers, which they must agree to in order to gain access to iOS notifications. These guidelines are primarily intended to protect the data of iPhone users.

This is because Apple prohibits the information from push notifications being used for advertising purposes, to train AI models or to monitor a user's location. The transfer of data to other devices or apps is also not permitted. Content may not be changed, apart from layout adjustments that are necessary to ensure proper presentation on the display.

Data may not be stored on a server and can only be decrypted on the respective end device. If Notification Forwarding works as planned, users of a Garmin Fenix 8 ($1,199 on Amazon), a Huawei Watch GT 6 or a Pebble Round 2 will finally be able to receive notifications with images and videos and reply to incoming messages directly from their smartwatch.