Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
70,423
42,076


The European Commission today praised the interoperability changes that Apple is introducing in iOS 26.3, once again crediting the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with bringing "new opportunities" to European users and developers.

iOS-26.3-Feature.jpg

The Digital Markets Act requires Apple to provide third-party accessories with the same capabilities and access to 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 that Apple is adding:
  • Proximity pairing - Devices like earbuds will be able to pair with an iOS device in an AirPods-like way by bringing the accessory close to an iPhone or iPad to initiate a simple, one-tap pairing process. Pairing third-party devices will no longer require multiple steps.
  • Notifications - Third-party accessories like smart watches will be able to receive notifications from the iPhone. Users will be able to view and react to incoming notifications, which is functionality normally 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 to an Apple Watch.
The European Commission says that developers can test third-party TVs, smart watches, and headphones with the new features in iOS 26.3, with the functionality to be "fully available in Europe" in 2026.

iOS 26.3 offers "another step towards a more inter-connected digital ecosystem to the benefit of all EU citizens," according to the European Commission. iOS 26.3 is expected to launch at the end of January.

The changes to proximity pairing and notifications are only available for device makers and iPhone and iPad users in the European Union.

Article Link: iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/22/ios-26-3-dma-airpods-pairing/
  • Like
Reactions: Mity and schneeland
Not bad. Looks like the EU is also learning to toot its own horn and rush to claim credit for every small win under the DMA, be it real or perceived. 🙂

I wonder if there will be sort of last-minute rug pull here. Like some feature ends up having an unforeseen drawback or downside, and then people start blaming the DMA (since the EU was so eager to claim credit for it before).

Probably not, but you never know. 😉
 
I truly don't understand those that are against the DMA, and all I can imagine is its because they see their devices as “pure” or some crap and don't want others to have a choice.

Even if it's from a security perspective, great. Don't use other headphones or smart watches, but to me, even if I may only use an Apple Watch or AirPods, is such a nice step in the right direction, because it's going to be great for those that do need it (see what I did there? It's almost like something can benefit others that doesn't benefit me! Wild!). In addition, it puts other accessories on equal footing and will make Apple work harder from competition (where I CAN benefit)

Wish all this would hit the US too, bug sigh…
 
  • Like
  • Disagree
Reactions: justanotherdave and bluecoast
I don’t think people understand that the DMA isn’t a consumer rights law it’s for the benefit of big and little tech companies. In any case once again Apple’s American customers get the shaft while effectively subsiding Apple with tax breaks. The Settings app continues to fly under the radar as far as Apple shenanigans go.
 
I love my AirPods. I look forward to seeing what the improved competition will force Apple to innovate when it’s time for my next set.
 
Recently went from a $40 Walmart smart watch to a series 7 Apple Watch and the $40 Walmart watch worked better than the Apple Watch for notifications.
All I want is to have my notification sounds play on my iPhone and my Apple Watch, but it’s either all or nothing.
Have an entire sound library for various contacts but none of that carries through with the Apple Watch.
So basically it’s just a fancy clock with the do not disturb always turned on the watch.
The $40 Walmart watch did this simple thing just fine. ⌚ o_O 🔔
 
  • Like
Reactions: terrapinjess
Amazing how Apple's products become better when they work well with other devices. Suddenly there's less fussing with bluetooth settings when you get new headphones.
 
  • Disagree
Reactions: I7guy
JohnC1959 said:
Yeah, I've been happy with maybe 80% of their rules. For a few, I tend to agree with Apple that the changes could introduce security issues. I love having USB-C for everything now.
Click to expand...

The EU didn’t bring USB-C to iPhones. Apple was already planning to.

Apple had high-speed USB-C in the A17 Pro processor (iPhone 15 Pro) which came out a full year before the EU mandate on USB-C was to come into effect.

Given the long lead times to design a new processor the final decision to add USB-C to an iPhone would have been made almost a full 3 years before the EU mandate.

The EU just wants to take credit for something Apple decided years earlier.
 
I’m anxiously awaiting the day when EU automakers (esp in Germany) are forced to make the infotainment systems in their vehicles open to third party stores.

I want to install my own Apps instead of being forced to use what the manufacturer says I can use.

When my car gets older I want ”right to repair” so I can replace the super-expensive infotainment computer in my car with something compatible instead of being forced to pay €2,500-€5,000 to the dealer.

The average price of a new car in the EU is €33,000. But do go on about how opening up smartphones is so important to consumers when people spend 30x as much on a car that’s locked down tight and will require a guaranteed expensive dealer visit to fix. 🙄
 
Any american oposes to this capability?.
Is evident that Apple has restricted maaaany capibilities of our devices so they only work or work more seamesly with Apple devices. Earphones, NFC, bluetooth and a loooong etc.
 
Proximity Pairing - fully OOB pairing finally available? Maybe Smartwatches like the Garmin Venu X1 first class citizens on the iPhone?

This would be awesome!!

Not only this would five users a choice finally, but it would put pressure on Apple to enter competition. This could lead to an AW with 7 days battery life when Apple has to compete with other products.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back