Apple Watch independence for all?

Imthaz over at Volatile Inputs talking about his WWDC 2026 wishlist, ending with a banger:

The third thing is Apple Watch independence. Apple still considers the Watch an accessory to the iPhone, just like AirPods. But AirPods are not stuck to one device — you actually don’t even need an iPhone to use them. The Watch still doesn’t work that way. Last year I spent a while with an iPhone 13 Mini. The camera is what eventually pushed me away from it, but even when I considered carrying two phones, the Apple Watch killed the idea. It syncs to one phone. When I go to the gym I want a smaller device that keeps me connected. When I’m out, I want the best camera I can carry. Either the Watch intelligently switches between iPhones, or there should be something in Control Centre where you can pick which iPhone it’s paired to, the same way you switch audio output for AirPods. […]

Apple has the hardware and the ecosystem, the software just has to catch up.

I would love this feature, and to add to this, Apple Watch should also have Continuity with iPad showing you workout metrics like it does on iPhone. Sometimes you just need your iPad and your watch when working out and monitoring your metrics would be better on a bigger display while you catchup on some YouTube.