iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA

iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA

iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to EU Third-Party Devices Starting in January 2026, iPhone and iPad users in the European Union will experience a major shift in how they connect third-party wearables and audio devices—thanks to iOS 26.3. Under pressure from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple is now required to open up key features like one-tap “AirPods-style” pairing and notification mirroring to non-Apple accessories. If you’ve ever struggled with clunky Bluetooth pairing or missed alerts on your smartwatch, this update could be a game-changer— but only if you’re in Europe . Credit: Google What the DMA Means for Apple and EU Consumers The Digital Markets Act, enacted to curb dominant tech platforms’ gatekeeping powers, has been steadily reshaping how Apple operates in Europe. One of its core mandates? Ensuring fair access to core platform functionalities. For years, features like seamless pairing and rich notification delivery were exclusive to Apple’s own ecosystem—AirPods, Ap…