Ever since I updated the last 2 firmwares I have “waiting for phone” in the phone section of settings. As soon as I open the app it connects to my watch and as long as I keep it in the background I get smart notifications.
Did something change as it has never been like this prior to these and bt would always be connected. Fwiw I am iphone 8 on 13.6.1. Also in current firmware on gc and watch
