Apple provides an expansive suite of accessories for iPhone users, prominently featuring the AirPods and Apple Watch. Given Apple’s holistic control over both hardware and software, it achieves an unparalleled synergy across its devices.
For instance, the effortless pairing of AirPods and Apple Watches with an iPhone reveals a plethora of additional functionalities. However, aficionados of third-party alternatives will discover that their experience is markedly diminished.
Although compatible with various wireless headphones, the iPhone’s integration with these devices lacks the seamlessness that characterizes Apple’s own offerings.
Competing smartwatches can connect to iPhones, yet these devices miss out on the cohesive integration that the Apple Watch enjoys, particularly regarding notification management.
As reported by MacRumors, this landscape is poised for transformation in Europe with the imminent arrival of the iOS 26.3 update.
The enhancements are conducted in accordance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) mandates that Apple must adhere to within the European framework.
This legislation compels Apple to ensure that third-party accessories receive equitable treatment compared to its native products, encompassing functionalities such as rapid pairing and notification display.
The European Commission (EC) has lauded these forthcoming interoperability adjustments, proclaiming that they signify a notable evolution in the digital ecosystem.
“The DMA creates new opportunities for developers to bring to market innovative products and services in Europe,” stated an EC spokesperson, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
“This is another step towards a more interconnected digital ecosystem to the benefit of all EU citizens.”
Enhanced Pairing and Notifications for Third-Party Devices
With the rollout of iOS 26.3 in Europe, iPhone users will gain two significant functionalities: an intuitive proximity pairing system for wireless headphones and enhanced notification support for third-party smartwatches.
Users familiar with AirPods will recognize the simplicity of this pairing process, wherein proximity to the iPhone initiates seamless connecting. Once paired, AirPods connect automatically upon their extraction from the case. This same functionality will extend to third-party headphones, for example, Google’s Pixel Buds.
Moreover, the notification feature will now enable third-party smartwatches to display notifications from the iPhone, much like the Apple Watch. This enhancement permits users of non-Apple watches to manage incoming alerts directly on their devices.
Previously, notification capabilities were restricted solely to the Apple Watch; however, the forthcoming update allows for a finer integration, albeit with a limitation of one connected device at a time. Consequently, users with multiple wearables must designate a single device for notifications.
The EC further advised developers that an array of other third-party devices would experience improved compatibility with iPhones following the iOS 26.3 update, which presently remains in beta.
These features are expected to be “fully available in Europe next year.” Unfortunately, it appears that users in the U.S. and other regions will not enjoy proximity pairing or smartwatch notification capabilities for third-party devices upon the release of iOS 26.3.
Source link: Bgr.com.
