iOS 26.1: iPhone Alerts on Garmin, Fitbit, and More

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iOS 26.1 is testing a new option that forwards iPhone notifications to a non-Apple smartwatch. It is designed to work with one external device at a time and it temporarily pauses Apple Watch notifications while forwarding is on.

The result is simple. People who prefer Garmin, Fitbit, or hybrid watches can still see iPhone alerts on the wrist without juggling the phone.

This guide explains what to expect, what might be limited at launch, and how to prepare now. It also highlights a few well regarded third-party wearables that fit common Apple lifestyles.

First, a reality check. The feature is in beta and details can change at release, including regional availability.

Expect a single place in Settings that lets the iPhone forward notifications to a paired device. When forwarding is active, the Apple Watch will not double-notify, which keeps alerts from buzzing twice.

Forwarded notifications are typically read-only. Most third-party watches can show the text, and some can send a quick reply through the phone, but deep actions that rely on Apple frameworks may not appear.

Health and fitness will still live in each brand’s app. Apple Watch remains the tightest fit for Health data, while Garmin, Fitbit, and Withings keep their own dashboards and sync paths.

Battery life on third-party wearables is often stronger than on Apple Watch. Hybrid models can last days or weeks, which is helpful for travelers and minimalists.

Music controls should work for most devices. The watch can usually play or pause the iPhone, and volume changes go through the phone or AirPods.

Maps alerts should forward as normal notifications. Turn alerts into simple taps on the wrist rather than rich Apple Watch cards.

If the plan is to try this when iOS 26.1 ships, start with a clean pairing. Update the iPhone, update the wearable’s app, then pair the watch in its app before turning on forwarding.

Keep notifications focused. Choose the key apps that truly matter on the wrist, like messages, calendar, and reminders.

Decide where the Apple Watch fits in, if at all. Some people will keep Apple Watch for workouts and use a hybrid during the week, while others may go all-in on a Garmin or Fitbit.

Here are three third-party wearables that fit common Apple use cases. Each works with an iPhone today and should benefit from notification forwarding when it rolls out.

Garmin Venu 3 is a bright AMOLED fitness watch with strong battery life and reliable GPS. It suits everyday wear, guided workouts, and weekend runs without feeling bulky.

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Fitbit Charge 6 is a slim tracker for people who want steps, heart rate, sleep, and simple alerts without a big screen. It is comfortable, light, and easy to wear 24-7.

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Withings ScanWatch 2 is a hybrid with real hands and a small info window. It focuses on long battery life, sleep trends, and classic styling that looks good at work and on weekends.

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Picking between them comes down to display, battery, and design. Garmin is the full smartwatch with rich fitness features, Fitbit is the stress-free tracker, and Withings is the stylish hybrid.

If turn-by-turn running data and training load are priorities, Garmin fits best. It pairs well with iPhone for music controls and notifications.

If the goal is a gentle nudge toward better sleep and steady activity, Fitbit is the simplest path. The small screen keeps distractions down.

If a watch should look like a watch, Withings makes sense. It blends discreet alerts with long battery life and a clean dial.

Plan the app setup before the watch arrives. Create the brand account, enable Apple Health sharing if offered, and pick a light set of notifications to start.

When iOS 26.1 lands, turn on forwarding and keep it simple for day one. Add more apps only if they earn a place on the wrist.

For privacy, review notification previews. Choose “When Unlocked” on iPhone if lock-screen content should stay private while still forwarding basic alerts to the watch.

Keep expectations measured at launch. Reply options, rich media, and deep integrations may be limited compared to Apple Watch.

If forwarding is not available in the region on day one, the watches above still pair well with iPhone. The change simply makes notifications more convenient when it arrives.

Travelers can benefit from the battery profiles of these devices. A week-long trip is easier when the watch only needs a short top-up or none at all.

Fitness fans who like Apple’s services can still track workouts with iPhone and AirPods. The wearable becomes a notification and heart rate companion rather than the center of the setup.

Style-first shoppers can finally pick the look they want without losing everyday alerts. That freedom is the quiet win of notification forwarding.

If Apple expands capabilities over time, expect small improvements like better quick replies or smarter grouping. Those changes tend to arrive in point releases.

Until then, the best move is to prepare, pick a watch that matches the day, and keep alerts focused. When forwarding arrives, it should feel like a tidy upgrade rather than a whole new system.