Apple iOS 26.3 to offer AirPods-like pairing for 3rd-party earbuds
What's the story
Apple's upcoming iOS 26.3 update allow EU wearable device manufacturers to enable proximity pairing and improved notifications. Proximity pairing lets devices such as earbuds connect with an iOS device by simply bringing them close, just like AirPods do. This way, the process of connecting third-party devices will be simplified into a single tap, eliminating the need for multiple steps. The EU's Digital Markets Act mandates Apple to give third-party accessories the same access to features as its own products.
Notification access
Third-party devices to receive notifications from iPhone
The iOS 26.3 update will also let third-party accessories like smartwatches get notifications from an iPhone. This feature, usually reserved for Apple Watch users, will let you view and respond to incoming alerts on your smartwatch. However, do note that notifications can only be sent to one connected device at a time. If you enable this feature for a third-party device, it will disable notifications on your Apple Watch.
Feature testing
Testing and availability of new features in iOS 26.3
The European Commission has said that developers can test third-party TVs, smartwatches, and headphones with the new features in iOS 26.3. The functionality is expected to be "fully available in Europe" next year. The Commission also noted that the update is "another step toward a more inter-connected digital ecosystem to the benefit of all EU citizens."