iOS 26.5 introduces several interoperability changes for third-party wearables, which means European iPhone users have access to new capabilities when using non-Apple accessories. To comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple is letting third-party wearables access some features that have historically been limited to the Apple Watch and AirPods. Proximity pairing - Third-party earbuds are able to use proximity pairing to connect to an iPhone, similar to the AirPods.
  • wltr@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    71·
    4 days ago

    What’s an EU iPhone? I have a US AppStore, and have no idea where my iPhone came from, a friend bought it second hand, and I’ve got it from him. And I live in Ukraine today, which is not yet a EU member. Should it be sold in the EU? I don’t understand which factor matters here, looks like purely a software lock-in, isn’t it?

    • doleo@lemmy.oneEnglish
      10·
      4 days ago

      EU iphone users. Like the other features that they dont allow people to use, the location of your device (including app store) dictates what you are and are not allowed to use. In other words, yes, its purely software. There dont appear to be hardware diferences between iphones sold in EU and non-EU countries.

    • Barrington@feddit.orgEnglish
      8·
      4 days ago

      From the article

      Expanded support for third-party wearables is limited to iPhone users in the European Union with an Apple account set to an EU country or region.

      • ViatorOmnium@piefed.socialEnglish
        4·
        4 days ago

        Translation: we loathe our suckers cultists customers, and we are going to be as shitty to them as the law allows.