Apple Developing AirPods-Style Pairing for Meta Smart Glasses
Apple is developing a new API that will let third-party accessories pair automatically across Apple devices, similar to the seamless experience offered by AirPods. The feature is expected to support devices such as Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and Quest headsets. Moreover, the move reflects Apple’s continued efforts to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Currently, AirPods offer automatic pairing and synchronization across Apple devices. However, the upcoming API would extend similar functionality to compatible third-party accessories.
Meta’s push for broader interoperability
Meta has spent around nine months urging Apple to open its device-pairing system to competing hardware makers. Furthermore, the company has submitted at least 15 interoperability requests since late 2024, making it Apple’s most active requester in this area.
Under the new API, Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and Quest headsets could connect to an iPhone once and then become instantly available across a user’s other Apple devices. As a result, users would enjoy the same one-tap pairing experience that AirPods have provided for years.
Meanwhile, Apple has already expanded interoperability within the European Union. Earlier this year, iOS 26.3 introduced proximity pairing for third-party earbuds and notification forwarding for wearable devices. Later, iOS 26.5 added Live Activities forwarding along with additional pairing capabilities for third-party wearables.
In addition, Apple introduced the AccessorySetupKit framework during WWDC 2024. The framework gives developers tools to simplify Bluetooth and Wi-Fi accessory pairing. Consequently, the new API appears to build on that foundation by enabling cross-device synchronization for compatible third-party products.
Privacy concerns remain unresolved
Despite these changes, Apple and Meta continue to disagree over interoperability and user privacy. Apple has publicly warned that granting Meta’s full set of requests could allow Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to access users’ messages, phone calls, photos, and calendar events.
Meta, for its part, has argued that Apple uses privacy as a reason to preserve competitive advantages for its own hardware.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has stated that these interoperability measures are legal obligations under the Digital Markets Act. Additionally, Apple recently lost its court challenge against its designation as a DMA gatekeeper, reinforcing the company’s requirement to comply with the regulations.
