EU Digital Markets Act Could Change How iPhone Users Choose Smartwatches
Introduction
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to open up closed ecosystems and ensure fair competition. For Apple, this means providing third-party smartwatch makers—like Garmin—with deeper access to iOS features that were once exclusive to the Apple Watch.
What the DMA Requires
Apple must open nine core iOS features to third-party devices by December 31, 2025. The EU Commission formalized this in March 2025 under the DMA. These features include full interactive notifications, background processing, NFC payments, streamlined pairing, and AirDrop or AirPlay alternatives. The nine key areas cover:
- full interaction with iOS notifications
- background tasks for ongoing sensor data
- secure NFC use, including payments
- simplified pairing with automatic Wi-Fi
- AirDrop or AirPlay style transfers
- faster peer-to-peer Wi-Fi
- other developer hooks once Apple-only
Possible Garmin Upgrades in 2025
If Apple complies with these DMA obligations, Garmin could implement the following improvements:
| DMA obligation | Potential Garmin upgrade | Benefit to users |
|---|---|---|
| iOS notification API | Quick replies, emoji reactions, and photo previews | Garmin watch finally handles messages like a full smartwatch |
| Background execution | Continuous sensor streams with real-time HealthKit sync | Live data without keeping Garmin Connect open |
| NFC (reader/writer + Secure Element) | Garmin Pay uses cards stored in Apple Pay | One wallet setup for both ecosystems |
| Proximity setup & Wi-Fi auto-join | Automatic pairing with Wi-Fi credentials transferred | Setup takes under a minute |
| AirDrop/AirPlay alternative | Share routes and cast workouts to Apple TV | Easier group rides and gym sessions |
| High-bandwidth P2P Wi-Fi | Map or music downloads via iPhone hotspot | Updates in minutes instead of hours |
Apple has voiced concerns that opening its platform could reduce security or innovation. Nevertheless, the DMA obliges the company to comply or risk hefty fines.
Why This Matters for Garmin
Garmin watches have long excelled in battery life and in-depth fitness metrics, yet their iOS integration has lagged behind. With the DMA changes scheduled for late 2025, Garmin could finally offer quick message replies, real-time health syncing, and even use the iPhone’s wallet for NFC payments. Pairing and file transfers should be smoother as well, making Garmin a stronger option for iPhone owners. Apple’s Ultra 2 will still offer the most seamless integration with iOS, including a large selection of watch apps. However, the Forerunner 970—Garmin’s latest high-end model—focuses on endurance athletes and boasts impressive battery life, detailed training tools, and a robust build. If the DMA works as intended, many of the basic “smart” features should eventually work just as well on Garmin as they do on the Apple Watch.
To help decide between the two watches, the table below highlights how key features compare. The last column shows what Garmin users might see once the DMA changes are fully in place.
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin Forerunner 970 today | Forerunner 970 after DMA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive notifications | Full replies and actions | Mostly display-only alerts | Expected to allow direct responses |
| Background data sync | Seamless on-watch updates | Manual or delayed sync | More reliable background transfer |
| Voice assistant | Native Siri on the watch | Uses phone’s assistant with some lag | Quicker Siri access via improved APIs |
| Contactless payments | Apple Pay widely accepted | Garmin Pay limited on iOS | NFC access should make it smoother |
| Health data sharing | Deep Apple Health support | Sync via Garmin Connect | Better, bidirectional HealthKit access |
| On-watch apps | Large App Store | Smaller Connect IQ catalog | DMA does not change app selection |
| Battery life | About a day or two | Several days per charge | Still superior, even with new features |
| Sport metrics | Strong general fitness | Advanced training tools | Remains Garmin’s strength |
| Cellular option | Available | No LTE model | Unchanged |
Should You Switch?
If you’re thinking of switching from an Apple Watch to a Garmin, it may be wise to wait until Apple fully rolls out the required APIs. Buying a Garmin now won’t immediately deliver the promised improvements. But once the DMA changes arrive, Garmin could offer a compelling blend of long battery life and improved iOS functionality—potentially making it the better choice for serious athletes who still use an iPhone.
Conclusion
The Digital Markets Act is set to reshape the smartwatch landscape by forcing Apple to open up its ecosystem. Although implementation will take time, iPhone users could soon enjoy a broader choice of fully functional wearables. Garmin stands to benefit significantly, provided Apple follows the spirit of the law and Garmin makes the most of these new opportunities.