Amazfit Watch Update Shows Benefits of Forcing Apple To Open Up
Amazfit watch owners who use an iPhone are getting major new features in the latest software update, for lines including the Cheetah 2 and Balance 3.
iOS Notification Forwarding is the big change in Amazfit’s latest software update. This allows for much improved interactivity, including replying to message notifications with replies sent from the watch.
This richer implementation also allows images to be shown in the notifications that appear on the watch, ideal for pictures sent over WhatsApp, for example, or alerts sent from a smart doorbell app.
At present Amazfit says iOS Notification Forwarding has come to three watch models, with plans for more. Here’s the rundown.
Amazfit calls it a “more complete notification experience.” And it is a key element of what gives semi-smart watches with long battery life like Amazfit’s range much more of a full smartwatch flavor.
For now iOS Notification Forwarding is only available to those in EU countries. It requires iOS 26.5, a fairly recent software update, or newer too.
This is because it’s a feature mandated by the EU’s European Union’s Digital Markets Act, and appeared as part of an iOS 26.3 beta in December 2025.
It’s ultimately a consumer-friendly feature, as seen in how it can enrich wearables, but loosens Apple’s grip on its own ecosystem, in a way that could potentially be seen to devalue the Apple Watch series.
Other EU-serviced mandates include right to repair, which has led to plans for a new version of Nintendo’s Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery, for the European market.
Whether Nintendo or Apple will bring these features and hardware revisions to the U.S. market in future remains to be seen.
Amazfit owners keen to try out iOS Notification Forwarding are advised to make sure their device software is up-to-date, after which they should be prompted to consider switching it on. You can also do so manually from the Devices > Notifications > App Notifications menu in the Zepp app.