iOS 26.3 to Improve Interoperability With Third-Party Earbuds and Smartwatches in the EU

iOS 26.3, which is expected to be released in late January, will improve interoperability with third-party Bluetooth earbuds and smartwatches for EU users. To comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple will simplify the Bluetooth pairing process for iPhone users in the EU, and it will also improve how iPhone notifications work on third-party smartwatches (via MacRumors).

With Proximity pairing, iPhone users in the EU will be able to connect third-party earbuds through a one-tap pairing process. This will mirror the simplicity of connecting Apple’s AirPods to an iPhone, which is an experience third-party manufacturers couldn’t replicate until now.

Additionally, iOS 26.3 will allow iPhone users in the EU to view and react to their phone notifications from a third-party smartwatch, which is something that’s currently only supported on the Apple Watch. However, notification forwarding will only support one device at a time.

“The DMA creates new opportunities for developers to bring to market innovative products and services in Europe,” an EU Commission spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal. “This is another step towards a more inter-connected digital ecosystem to the benefit of all EU citizens.”

Apple released the first iOS 26.3 beta last week, which enabled notification forwarding in the EU as well as a new “Transfer to Android” feature developed in collaboration with Google. The Android maker is also working on a similar feature to help Android users transfer their content to an iPhone.