EU iPhone Users Get AirPods-Like Pairing and Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Wearables in iOS

Apple is adding EU-only interoperability features in iOS 26.5 for eligible iPhone users and accessories.

The update includes AirPods-style proximity pairing, forwarded interactive notifications for third-party smartwatches, and Live Activities support.

These changes are driven by the EU Digital Markets Act and only work for accounts and devices that opt in and support the feature.

Apple is also limiting notification delivery to one authorized device and imposing data-use rules on supported wearables.