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

techradar.com May 15, 2026

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

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · May 15, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple has released iOS 26.5, which brings exclusive features from Apple Watch and AirPods to third-party alternatives in the EU. The update allows users to respond to message notifications with reactions or replies on third-party smartwatches and enables proximity pairing support for non-Apple earbuds. Live Activities can also appear on third-party smartwatches. This update is part of Apple's compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act, which requires the company to share software benefits with third-party hardware.

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iPhone Air successor with two cameras rumored for spring 2027

Apple is reportedly working on the iPhone Air 2, a successor to the iPhone Air, which debuted in September 2025. The new device is expected to launch in early 2027 with improved battery life and an ultra-wide camera, addressing key complaints from iPhone Air buyers. The iPhone Air 2 will likely be released alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027, following Apple's shift in iPhone release schedule. The device's specifications and timeline may change, but improved battery life and a second camera are expected.

💡 The iPhone Air 2's release could have significant implications for Apple's product lineup, particularly if it becomes an annual release. If successful, it could create a new tier in the iPhone lineup, potentially cannibalizing sales from the iPhone Pro and iPhone Fold models.

appleinsider.com · Jun 18

Apple’s AI agents in Xcode 27 make vibe coding easier

Apple has unveiled Xcode 27, a developer tool that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify the coding process. The new version of Xcode includes a Core AI framework that allows developers to use on-device AI models with ease, delivering strong performance through a modern Swift API. Xcode 27 also supports third-party AI models and enables developers to have conversations with AI agents, making it easier to create and edit code. This marks a significant shift in Apple's approach to AI, positioning it as a powerful extension of the coding process.

💡 Apple's emphasis on AI in Xcode 27 raises questions about the future of human interaction in app development. By portraying AI as a tool to augment human capabilities, rather than replace them, Apple may be trying to alleviate concerns about job displacement. However, the company's decision to showcase AI-generated apps and code may ultimately lead to a surge in "vibe-coded" apps, challenging the notion that human touch is essential in app development.

appleinsider.com · Jun 18

Pressure mounts for Apple to give unionized workers better options as Towson…

The Mayor of Baltimore has joined the chorus of critics urging Apple to reconsider closing its Towson store, which is set to shut down on June 20. The store, the first unionized Apple Store, is located in a failing mall and has limited options for its approximately 100 employees. The mayor and others are demanding that Apple either allow employees to transfer to nearby stores, open a new store in the area, or keep the Towson store open. Apple believes it is in the right, citing a contract provision that does not apply to unionized employees.

💡 The closure of the Towson store could be seen as a brazen attempt to punish unionized employees, damaging Apple's reputation and highlighting the company's willingness to prioritize profits over people.

techcrunch.com · Jun 18

AI is hurting Apple in more ways than one: it may force…

Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook has warned that the company's products, including the iPhone, may become more expensive due to a global shortage of memory chips caused by AI's insatiable demand for hardware. Cook described the situation as "unsustainable" and stated that price increases are "unavoidable," despite efforts to absorb the fourfold increase in chip costs since last year. The company is expected to launch its next iPhone in September, potentially allowing it to announce increased prices.

💡 Apple's struggle to cope with the memory chip shortage highlights the unintended consequences of AI's rapid growth, which is now putting pressure on the company's profit margins. As AI continues to drive demand for hardware, consumers may face higher prices for Apple products, forcing the company to reevaluate its AI strategy and pricing strategy.

appleinsider.com · Jun 18

How to update an iPad through the Mac’s Finder when Software Update…

A Mac can update an iPad using the same iPadOS software Apple delivers through Software Update, helping recover failed installs and fix update problems. Updating through Settings is the easiest way, but Finder offers a reliable recovery path when software failures occur. To use Finder, a Mac running macOS Catalina or later and a data transfer cable are required. It's also recommended to back up the iPad before installing a major software update. Finder can reinstall iPadOS without requiring a full device restore, making it a useful troubleshooting tool when the standard update process stops working. The process involves connecting the iPad to the Mac, unlocking it, and selecting the update option in Finder.

💡 Finder provides a safety net for iPad users who experience update failures, allowing them to recover their device without losing data. It offers an alternative update method when the iPad's built-in update process is stuck or unresponsive.

appleinsider.com · Jun 17

‘Widow’s Bay’ playlist lasts nearly 10 times longer than the show

Apple Music has released a massive playlist inspired by the Apple TV+ series "Widow's Bay." The "Patricia's Sunset Cocktails Playlist" features 811 songs with a total runtime of 60 hours and 32 minutes, making it nearly 10 times longer than the show's first season. The playlist spans decades of music, including pop, rock, dance, and new wave, and is available on the US version of Apple Music.

💡 The sheer scale of the playlist highlights Apple Music's commitment to immersive experiences, blurring the lines between music and television. By creating a playlist that outlasts the show it's inspired by, Apple Music is redefining the way audiences engage with content.