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EU iPhones Gain Third-Party Wearable Access
14 May
Summary
- New iOS update enables third-party wearables to use exclusive Apple features.
- This change is mandated by the EU's Digital Markets Act for compliance.
- Features include responding to notifications and Live Activities support.
Apple has begun rolling out its latest iOS 26.5 update, which introduces significant changes for users within the European Union. This update allows third-party earbuds and smartwatches to utilize features that were previously exclusive to Apple's own hardware, such as AirPods and Apple Watch.
The primary driver for this shift is Apple's adherence to the EU's Digital Markets Act. The regulation requires the company to open up software benefits previously limited to its ecosystem, extending them to competitors like Garmin, Amazfit, and Huawei.
Smartwatch users in the EU will gain the ability to respond to message notifications with replies or reactions, a capability formerly restricted to Apple Watch. Additionally, third-party wearables may soon support Live Activities, which display real-time information like sports scores or ride-sharing updates on the iPhone's lock screen or Dynamic Island.
For earbuds, iOS 26.5 introduces proximity pairing support. This feature simplifies the initial setup process for non-Apple buds, mirroring the one-tap pairing experience currently available for AirPods. While these changes may not seem revolutionary, they aim to level the playing field for third-party technology within the EU.
Users outside the EU are unlikely to receive similar updates, as Apple has historically made global changes due to EU regulations but can more easily geolock digital services. The company has also voiced concerns about the Digital Markets Act, arguing it poses risks to users.
