Apple's iOS 26.3 has 2 new features to make the European Commission happy

The EC is claiming credit for the new features in Apple's latest iOS beta.
 By 
Stan Schroeder
 on 
Apple iOS 26.3
The new version of iOS is almost exclusively focused on compliance with EU regulations. Credit: Apple

The European Commission is pleased with Apple's iOS 26.3 – two of its features in particular, that is.

The European Union's watchdog said that two of the features introduced in the iOS 26.3 beta were a result of an EU investigation into Apple's terms for connected devices.

"The DMA creates new opportunities for developers to bring to market innovative products and services in Europe. This is another step towards a more inter-connected digital ecosystem to the benefit of all EU citizens,” an EC spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal.


You May Also Like

One of the two features in question is Notification Forwarding for third-party smartwatches, which we've covered here.

The other feature the EC probably refers to is Proximity pairing, allowing users of iOS devices to easily pair with third-party devices, similarly to how you pair AirPods to your iPhone.

There's also a feature called Transfer to Android, allowing users to transfer their data to an Android device in an easier way.

I can't remember when a new version of iOS was this focused on compliance with European rules. All three new features have to do with Europe's Digital Market Act (DMA), which Apple isn't very happy about.

All of these new features will only be available for customers in the European Union. Apple's iOS 26.34 is currently in beta, and will probably become available in January.

Topics Apple

Stan Schroeder
Stan Schroeder
Senior Editor

Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He's got more battery-powered gadgets and band t-shirts than you. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing. Typically, this is a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
iOS 26.4 beta arrives: Here are 3 of its biggest new features
iOS 26.4's new Apple Podcast features shown on two iPhones and an iPad.

iOS 26.3 beta arrives: How to download it and 3 new features to try
iOS 26 beta download page on an iPhone screen

Apple releases iOS 26.3: New wallpapers, Transfer to Android
iOS update on iPhone

Samsung Galaxy S26: The 7 rumored features that could make me switch
samsung galaxy s25 edge on marble counter

Apple releases iOS 26.2, and new Edge Light tool. Here's how to try all the OS updates.
screenshots of ios26 appear on colored background

More in Tech
How to watch Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey online for free
Inaki Williams of Athletic Club celebrates

How to watch Lazio vs. Atalanta in the Coppa Italia online for free
Danilo Cataldi of SS Lazio reacts

How to watch Como vs. Internazionale in the Coppa Italia online for free
Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas salutes the fans

How to watch South Africa vs. New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup online for free
Aiden Markram of South Africa prepares to bowl

How to watch Mississippi State vs. Florida online for free
Rueben Chinyelu of the Florida Gators grabs a rebound

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

How to watch Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey online for free
Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid celebrates

March Full Moon 2026: See the blood moon lunar eclipse tonight
The moon with the red coloration indicative of a lunar eclipse.

How to watch Sporting CP vs. Porto in the Taça de Portugal online for free
Francisco Trincao smiles
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!