Garmin, Huawei Watches to Get Two Upgrades with Apple iPhones

Key Takeaways

1. The Apple Watch is currently the only smartwatch that works perfectly with the iPhone due to operating system restrictions.
2. Users may need to disable iMessage to allow third-party smartwatches to send messages directly through the network carrier.
3. The upcoming iOS 26.3 update will introduce notification forwarding, improving compatibility for third-party smartwatches.
4. Users will have to choose between using an Apple Watch or another smartwatch, as messages can’t be sent to multiple devices.
5. The iOS 26.3 update will allow syncing of smartwatch data with the iPhone even if the related app isn’t actively running.

Currently, the only smartwatch that works perfectly with the iPhone is the Apple Watch. This isn’t due to brands like Garmin or Huawei, but instead, it’s because of the iPhone’s operating system restrictions. For instance, users can interact with notifications directly on the Apple Watch, allowing them to reply to WhatsApp messages without needing to pick up their iPhone.

Changes Over Time

Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, mentions in his blog that things have gotten worse over recent years. Now, to bypass this limitation and let the smartwatch send messages directly through the network carrier, users even have to turn off iMessage. The European Commission informed The Wall Street Journal that the situation for third-party smartwatches will slightly improve with the upcoming iOS 26.3 update. This update includes a new feature called notification forwarding, which is being introduced due to pressure from the EU. With this feature, notifications can be sent to another device, allowing it to engage with messages.

Limitations Remain

However, there is a downside: users must pick between an Apple Watch and another smartwatch, as sending a message to multiple devices isn’t an option. According to Gadgets & Wearables, the beta version of iOS 26.3 brings a significant enhancement. After the update, users will be able to sync their smartwatch with the iPhone even when the related app isn’t actively running. This ensures that data like heart rate or workout information won’t get lost if the Garmin Connect app crashes and stays closed for a while. The iOS 26.3 update is anticipated to be available as a free upgrade for all compatible iPhones in February.

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