Apple Introduces New API for Accessory Pairing in iOS18

TapTechNews June 21st news, When Apple launched AirPods in 2016, it simultaneously introduced a brand new and simple interface that intuitively shows the pairing status between the headphones and iPhone, iPad.

Users don't need to enter Bluetooth settings and press buttons. The system can recognize nearby accessories and prompt users to pair. In iOS18, Apple introduced a new API called AccessorySetupKit, opening this pairing experience to accessory manufacturers for the first time.

After iPhone users upgrade to iOS18 and iPad users upgrade to iPadOS18, when a compatible accessory is detected, a pop-up window will be displayed to the user to confirm pairing with that device, and the experience is similar to that of AirPods and AirTag.

Users just need to tap once, and the system will automatically handle all the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections required by the accessory. This also means that users no longer need to manually grant Bluetooth and Wi-Fi permissions separately for the accessory's application. TapTechNews attaches the following video of Apple's official introduction to this API:

If the accessory requires a more complex pairing process, such as confirming a PIN code, the iOS18 API doesn't need to open the application and can directly ask the user for this information. After the accessory is paired, more relevant information can be found in the new accessory menu in Privacy Settings.

Apple's official introduction content is as follows:

Enhance your accessory setup experience with AccessorySetupKit. Present a beautiful pairing dialog box with an image of your Bluetooth or Wi-Fi accessory displayed within—all without accessing the Settings App.

Explore how to enhance privacy protection by pairing only your App with one accessory. In addition, learn how to migrate existing accessories for management through AccessorySetupKit.