iOS 26.5 introduces several interoperability changes for third-party wearables, which means European iPhone users have access to new capabilities when using non-Apple accessories. To comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple is letting third-party wearables access some features that have historically been limited to the Apple Watch and AirPods. Proximity pairing - Third-party earbuds are able to use proximity pairing to connect to an iPhone, similar to the AirPods.

iOS 26.5 introduces several interoperability changes for third-party wearables, which means European iPhone users have access to new capabilities when using non-Apple accessories.…

Link to: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/11/ios-26-5-eu-third-party-wearable-changes/