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iOS 26.5 is turning out to be a more extensive update than expected. Besides minor improvements, Apple is apparently working on a feature that will allow Live Activities to be streamed to third-party accessories. Evidence of this comes directly from the system code.
The information comes from findings by 9to5Mac. According to them, Apple is planning a new framework called AccessoryLiveActivities, which will allow accessories to receive and display Live Activities directly from the iPhone.
Additional new features have already been discovered in iOS 26.5, including a "Suggested Places" function in Apple Maps and new options for in-app subscriptions in the App Store. Overall, the update appears larger than expected.
Live Activities for third-party accessories
The iOS 26.5 Beta 1 code introduces the AccessoryLiveActivities framework. This framework allows accessory devices to receive and directly display Live Activities from the iPhone. With this, Apple extends the use of this real-time information beyond the iPhone to external devices.
Available only in the EU
The feature will be available exclusively in the European Union. This is due to the requirements of the EU DMA, which obliges Apple to be more open. A similar approach already exists for notification forwarding, which is also restricted to the EU.
Activation and data protection
Use requires explicit consent. During setup, the system displays an authorization dialog indicating that Live Activities may contain app names and content. This includes sensitive information such as health data, location data, and purchase history.
You can then specify whether only certain apps are allowed to share data or whether full access is granted. This will then apply to all current and future apps on the device.
Still open questions
Apple has neither officially announced nor documented the feature yet. Therefore, it's still unclear which accessories will be supported. However, it seems likely that initially, devices that already support notification forwarding will benefit.
Additional features in iOS 26.5
In addition to new accessory support, iOS 26.5 also brings adjustments in other areas. These include the aforementioned "Suggested Places" in Apple Maps, as well as new options for in-app subscriptions in the App Store.
iOS 26.5 focuses on openness and control
iOS 26.5 is therefore more than just a regular maintenance update. The planned support for Live Activities for third-party accessories in the EU, in particular, demonstrates that Apple is further opening up its system under regulatory pressure. At the same time, the company is focusing on clear user controls and transparent information regarding data privacy. (Image: Shutterstock / Only_NewPhoto)
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