Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple is required to provide third-party goods access to the same capabilities and device features that Apple’s own products get. In iOS 26.3, EU wearable device makers can now test proximity pairing and improved notifications.
Here are the new capabilities Apple is adding:
- Proximity Coupling – Devices like earbuds will be able to pair with iOS devices like AirPods by bringing the accessory close to the iPhone or iPad to initiate a simple, one-tap pairing process. Adding third-party devices will no longer require multiple steps.
- Notifications – Third-party accessories such as smart watches will be able to receive notifications from the iPhone. Users will be able to see and react to incoming notifications, functionality typically limited to the Apple Watch. Notifications can only be forwarded to one connected device at a time, and turning on notifications for a third-party device disables notifications on the Apple Watch.
The European Commission says developers can test third-party TVs, smart watches and headphones with the new features in iOS 26.3, the functionality of which will be “fully available in Europe” in 2026.
According to the European Commission iOS 26.3 provides “a further step towards a more inter-connected digital ecosystem for the benefit of all EU citizens”. iOS 26.3 is expected to launch in late January.
The changes to proximity pairing and notifications are only available to device manufacturers and iPhone and iPad users in the European Union.
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