iPhone owners in the European Union (EU) can now perform AirPods-like tethering even with audio accessories not manufactured by Apple. This Proximity Pairing feature was provided through the iOS 26.5 update to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) directive issued last year. Apple previously opposed this directive because it could open up security risks to iPhone owners.
In addition to supporting easy tethering like AirPods for third-party accessories, iOS 26.5 also brings support for notifications that can be replied to on devices other than the Apple Watch. Until now, notifications could only be read on third-party smartwatches but messages could only be replied to using the iPhone.
Finally, the Live Activities feature from the iPhone can now be displayed on smartwatches other than the Apple Watch. Under the DMA, Apple was also directed to provide AirDrop support to other ecosystems. This has already been fulfilled by Apple after Google provided cross-platform support through Quick Share earlier this year. Google announced that all Android devices will be able to send and receive files using AirDrop by the end of 2026.
The disappointing thing is that all of the above features, as well as third-party app store support, are only available to devices in EU countries. For global users, Apple's system is still locked behind its own ecosystem.
