# How the DMA Could Transform Smartwatches Beyond Fitness
The **Digital Markets Act (DMA)** from the European Union is disrupting the tech landscape, with Apple embroiled in the latest debate. A recent decision mandates that Apple must share its **proprietary Apple Watch features** with third-party smartwatch manufacturers, potentially enabling **non-Apple fitness devices** to utilize iOS notifications and messaging.
Should Apple adhere to this mandate, it could be a **revolutionary step** for fitness-centric smartwatches, enhancing their **intelligence and adaptability**. Simultaneously, this could also **revitalize smartwatches that aren’t solely fitness-focused**, encouraging brands to delve into innovations that extend beyond health monitoring.
## The DMA Decision: Implications for Smartwatches
The **March 19 DMA ruling** stipulates that Apple is required to ensure **”effective interoperability”** with third-party devices. In practical terms, this means that **any smartwatch** paired with an iPhone should be capable of:
– **Receiving, accessing, and replying to iOS notifications**
– **Sending messages and managing notifications**
– **Utilizing background execution** for improved performance
– **Accessing quicker data transfer options** such as AirPlay
– **Synchronizing with iOS settings** including Do Not Disturb and priority alerts
For years, Apple has **limited third-party smartwatches** from achieving full integration with iPhones, compelling users to opt for an **Apple Watch** to enjoy the best functionality. If Apple acquiesces to this ruling, it could **equalize opportunities** for brands like **Garmin, Fitbit, and Polar**, enabling them to provide **a genuine smartwatch experience on iOS**.
## Potential Enhancements for Fitness Watches
### Garmin: Leading the Fitness Brand, Yet Limited
Among the fitness-centric smartwatches, **Garmin** stands out with its commitment to **smart functionalities**. Devices such as the **Garmin Venu 3** and **Fenix 8** boast:
– **Smart assistants** (Google Assistant, Siri)
– **Garmin Pay** for contactless payments
– **Support for third-party applications** like Spotify and YouTube Music
Nonetheless, Garmin and similar fitness brands still **do not offer complete messaging features** on iOS. At present, only **Android users** can send **quick responses** to messages and view images in notifications. Apple **restricts** these functionalities for non-Apple smartwatches.
With the DMA decision, **Garmin and comparable fitness brands** could at last provide:
– **Comprehensive messaging features** on iPhones
– **Enhanced notification management**
– **Quicker data synchronization** with iOS applications
This could render fitness watches **more attractive** to iPhone users, potentially **challenging the supremacy of the Apple Watch**.
## The Return of Non-Fitness Smartwatches
For an extended period, smartwatches have been predominantly oriented towards fitness tracking, largely due to Apple’s limitations on **messaging and application integration** for third-party devices. This compelled brands to **prioritize health and fitness** to stay relevant.
Nevertheless, if Apple is obliged to **open up iOS**, we might witness a **new wave of smartwatches** that concentrate on **productivity, AI, and communication** rather than just fitness.
### The Pebble Revival
The forthcoming **Pebble-inspired smartwatches** from Core Devices exemplify this shift. These devices aim to reintroduce **customizable, lightweight smartwatches** with **extended battery life**.
However, Pebble’s founder **Eric Migicovsky** has cautioned that **Apple’s restrictions** hinder the capabilities of these watches on iPhones. Currently, Pebble watches **are unable to send messages, mark tasks as completed, or sync notifications effectively** on iOS.
If Apple concedes to the DMA, Pebble and similar brands could finally provide:
– **Comprehensive messaging and notification features**
– **Custom watch faces and support for third-party apps**
– **Improved background performance for seamless user experience**
This could **revitalize the smartwatch sector**, allowing brands to develop **distinctive, non-fitness-centric devices**.
### Could Meta Step Into the Smartwatch Arena?
As iOS becomes more accessible, we may observe **new smartwatch entrants** in the market.
For instance, **Meta** has been developing **AI-driven wearables** featuring **gesture recognition** and **brain-signal technology**. If Apple is compelled to permit **third-party messaging and notifications**, Meta could unveil a **Meta AI smartwatch** focused on:
– **AI-enhanced voice commands**
– **Gesture-based interaction**
– **Smooth integration with Meta’s ecosystem**
This could establish **a fresh category of smartwatches** that emphasize **AI and communication** over fitness.
## Will Apple Comply?
Apple has already **voiced its discontent** with the DMA ruling, labeling it as **”bureaucratic hindrance”** that
