iOS 26.5 adds Live Activities support for third-party accessories in the EU

Source: 9to5Mac

iOS 26.5 is shaping up to be a busier point update than usual

Earlier today, we reported that the system includes a new “Suggested Places” feature on Apple Maps, and new App Store options for in‑app subscriptions.

Now, we can confirm that Apple is working on introducing support for Live Activities in third‑party accessories.

Based on new code introduced in iOS 26.5 beta 1, Apple will release a framework called AccessoryLiveActivities, which will allow accessories to receive and display Live Activities from an iPhone.

Like the notification‑forwarding feature, this will only be available to users in the European Union, as part of Apple’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

To enable the feature, users will be prompted to grant an accessory permission to receive Live Activities from their iPhone. The system will present an authorization dialog explaining that Live Activities may include “app names and app content, which may contain personal information such as your health data, location data, and purchasing history.”

From there, users will be able to choose which apps will be allowed to share Live Activities with the accessory, or grant full access, which the company warns will apply to all current and future apps installed on the device.

Apple has not yet published documentation or announced the feature publicly. While it’s unclear which accessories will support it, those that adopted notification forwarding may be among the first.