The European Union has claimed responsibility for the new interoperability features in iOS 26.3. The bloc maintains that these improvements will stimulate a marketplace for innovative products and services.
The most recent beta release focuses on making iOS more accessible, particularly by enhancing support for third-party smartwatches.
### New iOS 26.3 Features
The latest developer beta introduces three new functionalities, two of which are designed to improve compatibility with third-party hardware.
The most notable change is a Transfer to Android feature, enabling users to shift all their data to a new Android device in a fashion akin to setting up a new iPhone. Apple states in the Settings app, “Position your Android device next to this iPhone to connect and initiate the transfer process.” Once linked, iPhone users can wirelessly transfer their photos, messages, notes, apps, and more, including their phone number, to the new Android device. The latest Android beta reflects this with a feature for transitioning from Android to iPhone.
Another key feature is Notification Forwarding, which allows iPhone notifications to be displayed on third-party smartwatches, much like they appear on the Apple Watch. This feature is limited to users in EU countries to adhere to antitrust regulations.
### EU Takes Credit
The Wall Street Journal reports that the European Commission has pointed out that both features were required to comply with the Digital Markets Act. The Commission is pleased with the beta version of Apple’s iOS 26.3, asserting that developers can now test interoperability with the new functionalities arising from an EU inquiry into the company’s terms for connected devices in March under the Digital Markets Act.
A representative for the Commission remarked, “The DMA opens up new possibilities for developers to launch innovative products and services in Europe. This marks another move toward a more interconnected digital ecosystem for the advantage of all EU citizens.”
