# iOS 26.5 updates unlocks Apple Watch and AirPod features for third-party alternatives — but only if you live in the EU

> iOS 26. 5 is rolling out to our iPhones It includes new third-party wearables support for previously exclusive Apple Watch and AirPods features This is only available in the EU for now Apple’s latest iOS 26.

- **Source:** [TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/phones/ios/ios-26-5-updates-unlocks-apple-watch-and-airpod-features-for-third-party-alternatives-but-only-if-you-live-in-the-eu?utm_source=gearopen.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=feed&utm_content=6a05eb7b2fb8112256499d05)
- **Published:** 2026-05-14
- **Category:** Phones
- **Tags:** #apple-watch #headphones #wearables #airpods #earbuds #huawei #garmin #apple
- **Canonical:** http://localhost:4321/a/6a05eb7b2fb8112256499d05

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_GearOpen's distilled summary. The full original article is published at TechRadar (source link above); GearOpen does not republish the source's full text._