Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 beta contains evidence that iPhones may soon support third-party smartwatches. This would mark a major change in Apple’s ecosystem strategy, as the company has traditionally reserved deep integration and health tracking features exclusively for the Apple Watch.
According to a report from Macworld, strings of code found in the beta mention pairing and syncing processes that reference “non-Apple smartwatches.” While the details remain limited, this suggests that Apple is preparing the groundwork for broader compatibility beyond its own wearable lineup.
If the feature ships in a future iOS update, it would allow iPhone users to connect and sync with devices like Garmin, Fitbit, and Samsung smartwatches. That could open up new possibilities for fitness tracking, notifications, and potentially even access to the Health app. Until now, these devices have offered only partial support with iOS, often requiring standalone apps with limited system-level integration.
Apple’s decision could also be influenced by growing regulatory scrutiny in both the US and EU. Authorities have increasingly pressured the company to allow greater interoperability and to avoid limiting functionality to Apple-only accessories. By enabling third-party smartwatch syncing, Apple may be trying to address these concerns while also expanding the iPhone’s appeal to users who prefer alternative wearables.
It is not yet clear how deep the integration will go. Apple Watch currently provides exclusive features such as ECG monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, and seamless Apple Fitness+ syncing. Third-party devices may gain access to core features like step counts, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring, but Apple could still reserve premium capabilities for its own hardware.
For users, this shift could be significant. Many iPhone owners have held on to Garmin or Fitbit devices because of their specialized features like advanced GPS tracking or multi-day battery life. Native support in iOS would reduce friction and provide a more seamless experience without needing to rely on companion apps alone.
Apple has not officially confirmed the change, and features spotted in beta testing don’t always make it to public releases. However, if this functionality does launch, it would mark one of the most notable changes to Apple’s wearable strategy since the original Apple Watch was introduced in 2015.
