Apple is testing AirPods-like pairing and notification forwarding for third-party wearables in the European Union as part of iOS 26.5 development, complying with the Digital Markets Act. Testing began in iOS 26.3 and continues in 26.5 beta, enabling one-tap proximity pairing for devices like earbuds near an iPhone or iPad. Users could soon pair third-party accessories with a single tap, eliminating multi-step setup.

The update includes notification forwarding to non-Apple wearables, allowing users to view and react to alerts on devices like smartwatches—a feature currently exclusive to the Apple Watch. Notifications will sync one device at a time, with enabling third-party notifications disabling Apple Watch alerts. Live Activities integration for wearables is also in development, expanding real-time updates beyond Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple has not announced a launch timeline, but the European Commission confirmed rollouts in 2026. Developers can test features for TVs, smartwatches, and headphones via iOS 26.5 beta. These changes aim to foster competition by mandating interoperability for large tech firms under EU regulations.

The move signals a shift toward greater third-party wearable compatibility, potentially reshaping how users interact with accessories. While specifics remain unclear, the updates could redefine wearable ecosystems in the EU, balancing regulatory compliance with user convenience.