New changes aimed at improving accessory compatibility are arriving with Apple’s latest beta software update. Apple has released the iOS 26.3 Beta update for iPhone to developers and beta testers, bringing bug fixes and software improvements seen in earlier versions.
The update also introduces an important shift related to third party accessories, in line with the European Union Digital Markets Act. According to a report, the new beta makes it easier to pair wearables such as wireless earphones and smartwatches with iPhone and iPad, while also adding notification support.
A report by a technology publication indicates that iOS 26.3 Beta includes early signs of simplified pairing workflows for third party Bluetooth accessories. Code references found in the update point to a new mechanism that could reduce the steps needed to connect wireless earphones, smartwatches, and other accessories to an iPhone.
The upcoming feature is expected to make device recognition and connection more seamless, compared to the current manual Bluetooth pairing process. The report suggests that these changes may be introduced through a feature called Proximity Pairing.
This feature is expected to work in a similar way to how AirPods and Apple Watch currently pair with iPhones. Users may only need to bring the accessory close to the phone to start pairing. A pop up menu is expected to appear, allowing non MFI accessories to connect in a single step.
In addition to easier pairing, the beta update is also reported to enable notification support for third party accessories such as smartwatches. Users may be able to view and respond to notifications, similar to the experience on Apple Watch. However, notifications can only be active on 1 connected device at a time. If enabled on a third party accessory, notifications will be disabled on the Apple Watch if the user owns one.
These updates signal Apple’s continued compliance with the European Union Digital Markets Act. However, the report notes that these features are limited to the EU region, meaning only users in those markets can currently test them.
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