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.
They don’t and they don’t need to. Apple isn’t a business, but a cult. Their followers will blindly eat any shit Apple puts in front of them.
Vision Pro is the proof they still have a line they will not cross