iOS 26.3 Unlocks AirPods-Style Pairing for Third-Party EU Accessories

• iOS 26.3 introduces AirPods-like proximity pairing and enhanced notification support for third-party accessories in the EU.
• This change is a direct consequence of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), pushing Apple to open its ecosystem.
• Users in the EU will experience one-tap pairing for non-Apple earbuds and receive iPhone notifications on third-party smartwatches.
• Notifications are limited to one device at a time; enabling for a third-party device disables Apple Watch notifications.
• These new features are exclusive to the European Union and are expected to be fully available by 2026.

Why It Matters: EU regulation forces Apple to open iOS, bringing AirPods-like features to third-party accessories.