Apple's iOS 26.5 introduces major interoperability changes for third-party wearables in the European Union, complying with the EU's Digital Markets Act. European iPhone users can now access AirPods-like features when using non-Apple accessories, marking a significant shift in Apple's traditionally closed ecosystem. The changes affect how wearables pair and interact with iPhones.

The update enables proximity pairing for third-party earbuds, allowing one-tap connections like AirPods. Users can also forward iPhone notifications to third-party smartwatches, which can now display and react to messages—previously limited to Apple Watch. Additionally, Live Activities from iPhones can appear on third-party wearables, though accessory makers must first add support for these features.

Apple has warned the DMA forces "concerning changes" to products and services in the EU, exposing customers to new risks. The company previously urged European regulators to scrap the DMA after finding it hasn't lowered consumer prices. These interoperability updates are limited to EU iPhone users with accounts set to European countries, with forwarded data restricted from advertising, profiling, or monitoring location.