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Apple’s iOS 26.3 Beta Brings AirPods‑Like Pairing and Wearable Notifications to Third‑Party Devices in Europe

EU officials say DMA enforcement drove the shift, with full availability across the bloc slated for 2026.

Thank the EU's DMA for this change.
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The new version of iOS is almost exclusively focused on compliance with EU regulations.
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Overview

  • Accessory makers in the EU can now test one‑tap proximity pairing that streamlines connecting non‑Apple earbuds and other devices to iPhone and iPad.
  • Notification Forwarding lets iPhone alerts appear on a third‑party smartwatch, limited to a single device at a time and disabling Apple Watch notifications when active.
  • The interoperability changes apply only in the European Union for now, and broad consumer benefits will depend on manufacturers adding support.
  • A built‑in Transfer to Android tool in the beta enables wireless migration of photos, messages, notes, apps, and phone numbers by placing the devices next to each other.
  • Apple is testing iOS 26.3 now, with public release expected around late January or early 2026, and the European Commission says the new capabilities will be fully available in Europe in 2026.