Galaxy Buds and Watches Will Play Nicer with iPhones After This iOS Update

Apple is making a major change for iPhone users who prefer non-Apple accessories. The upcoming iOS 26.3 update will allow Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watches, and other third-party devices to work nicely with iPhones. This is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), meaning the changes will apply only to users in Europe.

iOS 26.3 brings big changes for non-Apple accessories

With iOS 26.3 beta, Apple has reportedly introduced new interoperability features. It brings proximity pairing, allowing third-party devices like wireless earbuds to connect to an iPhone or iPad with a simple one-tap process, just like AirPods do. This removes the extra steps usually needed when pairing non-Apple accessories.

The update also brings notification support for third-party smartwatches. Non-Apple watches will be able to receive iPhone notifications, display them on their screens, and let users interact right from their wrists. Note that the system can forward notifications to one connected device at a time. This means users will have to decide between an Apple Watch and a third-party smartwatch for receiving alerts.

All things considered, we can assume Samsung’s devices, such as Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watches, could benefit from these changes. In the past, older Galaxy Watch models supported iPhones through an app, allowing users to receive notifications and track fitness. That compatibility ended when Samsung ditched its Tizen operating system in favor of Google’s Wear OS, starting with the Galaxy Watch 4.

Now that Apple is opening up key iOS features under the DMA, several technical barriers that blocked newer Galaxy Watches from working with iPhones should be removed. The same goes for the Galaxy Buds. While iOS 26.3 makes it easier for these devices to play nicely with Apple’s products, Samsung will likely need to release software updates to take advantage of the opened system access.

Reports suggest the iOS 26.3 update may go official at the end of January 2026. That means users in Europe won’t have to wait long to experience these changes.