Commission welcomes Apple’s iOS interoperability changes
The European Commission has welcomed new interoperability features in Apple’s iOS 26.3, describing them as evidence of the Digital Markets Act’s impact on opening closed ecosystems. The changes aim to improve access for third-party devices across the EU.
The European Commission has welcomed Apple’s latest interoperability updates introduced in iOS 26.3, attributing the changes to obligations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The new features, currently available in beta, are designed to improve how third-party accessories interact with iPhones and iPads within the European Union.
Among the updates is support for proximity pairing, allowing non-Apple headphones and accessories to connect through a simplified one-tap process similar to Apple’s own AirPods. Apple is also enabling notification forwarding to third-party wearables, although notifications can be routed to only one device at a time. These features are intended to reduce the advantages previously reserved for Apple-branded devices.
Apple has made developer tools available to support the new interoperability functions. The changes apply only in the EU, reflecting the DMA’s designation of Apple as a ‘gatekeeper’ and its requirement that dominant platforms provide fairer access to competitors. Non-compliance with the DMA can result in substantial financial penalties.
The company has repeatedly argued that DMA obligations could weaken user security and privacy. However, Apple has already implemented several DMA-driven changes, including allowing alternative app stores and opening access to near-field communication (NFC) functionality for third-party providers.
Analysts expect the latest interoperability measures to reduce ecosystem lock-in and increase competition in the EU market. Following the beta phase, iOS 26.3 is expected to roll out across Europe from 2026, with further regulatory scrutiny likely to shape additional changes to Apple’s platform.
