Apple Plans AirPods-Like Pairing for Meta's Glasses and Quest

[MacRumors]

Apple is developing a new API that will let third-party accessories, including Meta's Ray-Ban Meta glasses and Quest headsets, automatically pair across a user's Apple devices the same way AirPods and the Apple Watch do today, according to Apple's EU Interoperability Request page.

The plan responds to a request Meta filed in October 2025 under the EU's Digital Markets Act, asking Apple to let a Meta device, once paired with one iPhone or iPad, automatically become available on a user's other Apple devices without extra prompts. Third-party accessories have never been able to tap into that ability, meaning owning non-Apple hardware alongside an iPhone has always involved more friction. If Apple builds this out, that gap will close, at least for whichever manufacturers get access to the new API.

Apple told Meta on February 4 that it plans to let third-party apps access cryptographic materials that make a pairing completed on one Apple device usable on another, secured by a session key and a one-time, per-accessory user consent. Apple expects to finish development by spring 2027 and ship it "shortly thereafter," which points toward an iOS 27.x update, possibly iOS 27.4, though Apple has not yet confirmed a version.

The feature runs on AccessorySetupKit and Proximity Pairing, infrastructure Apple built to comply with a March 2025 European Commission ruling and which only works in the EU today, the same infrastructure behind the proximity pairing feature already live for EU users. Meta has objected that adopting it would force the company to abandon Core Bluetooth, which it relies on for pairing everywhere outside Europe, and has asked Apple to decouple the two. Apple has declined so far, though it told Meta that support outside the EU "is something we are still considering."

The request remains in phase three as of Apple's most recent update. Meta hasn't yet invoked the DMA's formal dispute resolution process, which would trigger a review by Apple's Interoperability Request Review Board within 30 working days. Until then, Apple's plan proceeds with a spring 2027 rollout tied to AccessorySetupKit, in the EU only.

Article Link: Apple Plans AirPods-Like Pairing for Meta's Glasses and Quest

 

[Shalev Lazarof]

Who wants Meta crappy products? ONLY first party apple ecosystem related devices.

 

[akb]

I’ve no interest in Meta devices - but opening this up to third parties in general is most welcome.

 

[BGrifter]

Legal system also plans AirPods-like pairing for Meta perv glasses.

Saves paperwork if you just connect the owner to his public defender.

 

[jdavid_rp]

Cool that now this is open to other companies, not really interested in Meta tapping in tho 😂

 

[rorschach]

Meta has objected that adopting it would force the company to abandon Core Bluetooth, which it relies on for pairing everywhere outside Europe

So it's not enough for there to be an API, now they're trying to dictate how it's designed and implemented.

Apple is required to give the same access that their own devices have. They're not required to rearchitect everything to fit other companies' business needs/wants.

 

[turbineseaplane]

This should probably go in the political area, as Apple is doing this stuff specifically due to the EU mandates.

 

[progx]

For those who have them and want this ease of setup option, this will be great for them. Personally, I will still keep my Quest 3 headset away from my Apple devices. It’s bad enough I have Facebook and Instagram on my iPhone and iPad (just the former).

 

[turbineseaplane]

Speaking of Mega PervGlasses

Ouch ... silly way to get DQ'd

Former WorldTour rider disqualified from race for wearing Oakley Meta smart glasses

South African cyclist Willie Smit was disqualified from the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai after wearing video-recording smart glasses during the race,…

www.domestiquecycling.com

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Competition is roaring to life in the EU! Instead of relying on non-EU companies for their tech they’re… hmm… STILL relying on non-EU companies for their tech? When does the competition part start?

Or was the goal always to make the competition between one non-EU company and another?

 

[ppdix]

As a ray-ban meta user since 2020 and loving it, I really appreciate this.

 

[meaty]

Who wants Meta crappy products? ONLY first party apple ecosystem related devices.

bet you he uses instagram and facebook

 

[svish]

Good for users. Should make it much easier to use third party accessories.

 

[Hank3rd]

I wonder if this means that the delay in voice dictations while wearing your Meta glasses will improve or go away?

 

[Manatee]

I think it's great to open up the API to make pairing third party devices easier, but - I’m hoping Apple develops their own version of connected glasses. I have the Oakley Meta Vanguard, and they work well for cycling - capturing photos and video hands-free, but I think Apple could do better - maybe also partnering with Oakley, or some other major sports glasses brand.

As others have noted, I find photo/video recording glasses creepy for just walking around, but I think they’re great for capturing sport activity.

 

[SiXiam]

Wonder if this will improve some latency issues people have experienced with AirPods and the Quest 3.

 

[gummybear2026]

Apple should offer pairing for 3rd party watches as well. Probably won't happen except in the EU.

 

[coolfactor]

I hope Apple moves towards a more global approach to technical features rather than this regional jigsaw puzzle we're currently in.

 

[coolfactor]

Wonder if this will improve some latency issues people have experienced with AirPods and the Quest 3.

Likely not. It's not a new wireless technology, just the "handshake" process for pairing devices, and syncing the paired devices across all devices in an iCloud account.

 

[DogHouseDub]

if this also opens up the system for easier pairing with non-Apple/Beats headphones, that could be exciting.

 

[Edd70]

Buying hardware from Meta seems the worst idea ever.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

This will be handy down the line if you want to pair your airpods to your OpenAIphone.

 

[East India Company]

Competition is roaring to life in the EU! Instead of relying on non-EU companies for their tech they’re… hmm… STILL relying on non-EU companies for their tech? When does the competition part start?

Or was the goal always to make the competition between one non-EU company and another?

We get it, phones are the only products on Earth. Yawn 🥱

 

[johnsawyercjs]

This will be handy down the line if you want to pair your airpods to your OpenAIphone.

And/or for pairing your OpenAI earbuds to your iPhone

 

[clg82]

bet you he uses instagram and facebook

Yeah, honestly it's absurd to read people complain about Meta this Meta that, and then they doom scroll for hours on those same platforms lol