- iOS 26.3 adds AirPods-style features to other wireless headphones
- The software will be released sometime in early 2026.
- This is the latest EU regulatory requirement and therefore does not apply worldwide.
One of the advantages of using AirPods with iPhone (or really anyone Apple device) is that pairing is very quick and easy. The same convenience will soon be available for third-party headphones, but only if you live in the European Union.
Like USB-C ports for charging And alternative app storesThis is due to the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA). Passed in November 2022, it essentially limits how far big tech companies can go in terms of keeping their own ecosystems closed.
According to McRumorsiOS 26.3 will open the door to headphone makers who want their own products to work as well with iPhones as AirPods. This testing will take some time, but we could see this functionality begin to roll out during 2026.
Currently iOS 26.3 is only available in beta, but we I've already heard a lot about the new features it will bring to millions of iPhones around the world. Some of the others include forwarding notifications and a new batch of wallpapers.
“More Connected”
EU regulators are, of course, keen to highlight the benefits this will bring to users: according to the European Commission, the change provides “another step towards a more interconnected digital ecosystem for the benefit of all EU citizens.”
There are two features in particular that will be available for third-party headphones. These include touchless pairing (when the earbuds get close to each other, pairing will begin) and notifications (so that the earbuds and other devices get alerts and can respond).
This second feature will be a bonus for best smart watch, Also – seamless notification syncing, which is currently exclusive to Apple Watch Models from other wearable device manufacturers should also appear. Again, if you are in the EU.
Apple hasn't said anything specifically about these features, but has been criticized many times DMA and EU efforts to implement it. This has led to many features including Apple Intelligence and Live translation for AirPodsdelayed in European countries.
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