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EU Forces Apple's Hand on iOS Features
23 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Apple's iOS 16.3 beta includes features mandated by EU regulators.
- New features enhance third-party smartwatch and device connectivity.
- These compliance-driven updates are exclusive to European Union customers.
Apple is rolling out significant changes in its iOS 16.3 beta, largely in response to European Union regulations. The European Commission has expressed satisfaction with two particular features designed to address their investigations into Apple's terms for connected devices. These updates underscore the impact of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) on major tech companies.
The new features aim to foster a more open digital environment. Notably, Notification Forwarding now supports third-party smartwatches, allowing greater interoperability. Additionally, Proximity Pairing simplifies the connection process for non-Apple devices, mirroring the ease of pairing AirPods with an iPhone. A 'Transfer to Android' feature has also been introduced, easing data migration to competing platforms.
These compliance-driven updates are exclusively reserved for customers within the European Union. Apple's iOS 16.3 beta is currently undergoing testing, with a public release anticipated in January. This release marks a period where iOS development is heavily influenced by European market regulations, reflecting a broader trend of increased scrutiny on Big Tech's practices.
