Apple is unlocking new capabilities for European iPhone owners using non-Apple smartwatches and wireless earbuds. In response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, the tech giant is finally granting outside accessory makers access to deep system features that were previously reserved for its own hardware.
The changes are part of the latest update as iOS 26.5 is out now with new iPhone features, shifting how everyday devices talk to each other across the region.
European users gain quick pairing and rich smartwatch notifications
With the arrival of iOS 26.5, connecting a new pair of third-party earbuds is about to look very familiar. When you bring a supported set of headphones close to your phone, it will trigger a quick one-tap setup screen. This skips the old multi-step Bluetooth menu process and works exactly like it does when pairing standard AirPods.
Beyond headphones, the update opens up new communication tools for outside smartwatches. Until now, non-Apple watches could only mirror basic read-only alerts. Now, you can actively read, interact with, and reply to notifications directly from your wrist.
You will also start seeing Live Activities on these third-party screens. This means you can track food deliveries, sports scores, or timer countdowns without taking your phone out of your pocket. To keep things organized, the system only sends these active alerts to one device at a time.
If you turn on rich alerts for another brand’s watch, it automatically pauses them on your main Apple Watch.
Accessory makers update devices while developers follow strict data rules
These new functions will not work on your current gear immediately. Hardware creators need to update their own software to support the new connection standards. Soon enough, you should see compatible televisions, headphones, and fitness trackers hitting the market or receiving software patches to enable the tools.
To protect your privacy, developers must agree to a strict set of rules before using these deep system connections. Any data passed through alerts or Live Activities cannot be used for profiling, building advertising networks, training models, or tracking your location. The information must stay between the phone and the specific accessory, and developers are not allowed to change the core meaning of the forwarded data.
Apple notes that the Digital Markets Act is forcing it to open up its software borders in ways that alter how its products normally work together. The company claims these legal requirements introduce new risks for buyers. Because these rules only apply in Europe, these wearable features are strictly locked to accounts registered within an EU country.
