Apple’s latest iOS update, version 26.3, is shaping up to be a game-changer for iPhone and iPad users across the European Union, as the company responds to mounting regulatory pressure from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). While the changes are rolling out in beta now, the full release is expected to arrive in late January or early February 2026, ushering in a new era of interoperability and user choice for millions of Europeans.
On December 25, 2025, the European Commission publicly credited the DMA for compelling Apple to open up iOS 26.3 to third-party accessories, marking a significant shift in the company’s traditionally closed ecosystem. According to a report published by Diplo, EU regulators praised Apple’s DMA-driven interoperability updates, predicting stronger competition and wider consumer choice as rivals gain more equal access to iOS technologies and connectivity features. The Commission’s endorsement underscores the impact of the DMA, which classifies Apple as a "gatekeeper" and requires it to provide fairer access for competitors, with the threat of heavy financial penalties for non-compliance.
So, what exactly is changing with iOS 26.3? For starters, the update introduces a host of features designed to make iPhones and iPads play nicer with non-Apple devices. One of the most anticipated additions is proximity pairing for third-party accessories—think headphones and smartwatches—which will allow users to connect devices with a simple one-tap process, similar to the seamless pairing experience Apple users already enjoy with AirPods. This means that, for the first time, accessory makers outside the Apple ecosystem can offer a comparable level of convenience to their customers.
Another major feature is notification forwarding to non-Apple wearables. European users will soon be able to see alerts from their iPhones on third-party smartwatches, such as the popular Garmin Fenix 8. However, there’s a catch: you’ll only be able to route notifications to one device at a time, so users will have to choose their preferred wearable. Still, this is a big step forward for those who want to mix and match their tech, and it’s a direct response to the DMA’s demand for greater interoperability.
The update also brings new NFC components and a faster Wi-Fi radio for peer-to-peer sharing, but these features will be available exclusively to users in the European Union. As reported by TechRadar, these changes are a direct byproduct of the European Parliament’s Digital Markets Act of 2022, which previously prompted Apple’s high-profile switch from its proprietary Lightning port to USB-C charging. The DMA’s influence has been steadily growing, pushing Apple to allow alternative app stores and open up NFC access for third-party developers in the EU.
Developers, too, are getting in on the action. Apple is providing the necessary tools to support these new features, ensuring that accessory makers and app developers can take full advantage of the expanded capabilities. However, the company has made it clear that these changes apply only within the EU, at least for now. Whether Apple will eventually extend similar interoperability to users in other regions remains an open question, and one that regulators and consumers alike will be watching closely.
Notably, iOS 26.3 is not expected to bring major visual changes to the interface. Instead, it’s being positioned as an important stepping stone toward the bigger update, iOS 26.4, which is slated for release in spring 2026 and will reportedly include a brand-new Siri voice assistant. In the meantime, iOS 26.3 will also feature a new Black Unity wallpaper, timed to launch around Black History Month in early 2026—a nod to Apple’s ongoing efforts to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
For those eager to try out the new features, Apple has made it easier than ever to participate in beta testing. Gone are the days when only paid Apple Developer program members could access early builds; now, anyone with an Apple ID can download beta iOS builds by following the guidance on Apple’s website. Of course, would-be testers should be aware that the holiday season means many Apple engineers are on vacation, so bug reports may take longer to address.
Apple’s x.3 updates have a history of arriving in late January or early February, and iOS 26.3 appears to be following that tradition. Looking back, iOS 16.3 was released in early February 2023, iOS 17.3 in late January 2024, and iOS 18.3 at the end of January 2025. This consistency gives users and developers a good sense of when to expect the new features to become widely available—assuming beta testing doesn’t uncover any catastrophic issues that could cause delays.
While Apple has repeatedly warned that the DMA’s requirements could undermine user security and privacy, the company has nonetheless complied with the new rules, albeit sometimes grudgingly. According to Diplo, Apple has already introduced DMA-driven changes such as opening up to alternative app stores and expanding NFC access. The company’s cautious approach reflects its desire to balance regulatory demands with its longstanding commitment to a tightly controlled, secure ecosystem.
Industry analysts are watching these developments closely, predicting that the new features in iOS 26.3 will reduce ecosystem lock-in and increase competition across the European market. By making it easier for users to switch between iOS and Android devices—and for third-party accessories to work seamlessly with iPhones—Apple is leveling the playing field for rivals and giving consumers more options than ever before. As one analyst put it, "This is exactly the kind of change the DMA was designed to bring about. For years, Apple’s ecosystem has been a walled garden. Now, those walls are starting to come down—at least in Europe."
Of course, the rollout of iOS 26.3 is just the beginning. The European Commission has signaled that it will continue to scrutinize Apple’s compliance with the DMA, and further regulatory pressure could force the company to extend interoperability even further. For now, though, European consumers stand to benefit from a more open, competitive landscape—one where their choice of device or accessory isn’t dictated by the logo on the box.
As the beta cycle continues and the final release of iOS 26.3 draws near, all eyes will be on Apple to see how these changes play out in practice. Will the new features deliver on their promise of greater freedom and flexibility? Or will technical limitations and lingering restrictions dampen the impact? One thing’s for sure: the era of the walled garden in Europe is giving way to a more open digital marketplace, and that’s a development worth watching.
