iOS 26 Opens Phone & Messaging APIs for EU Developers: Third-Party Call & SMS Apps Now Possible

According to a report by the German tech website Heise, Apple has introduced a new API in iOS 26 that enables developers to create applications capable of making and receiving phone calls, as well as sending and receiving SMS, MMS, and RCS messages.

This functionality is exclusively available to users within the European Union, and developers must be registered with an Apple Developer account based in the EU. Once registered, developers can build apps to replace the native Phone and Messages apps preinstalled in iOS 26.

Currently, Apple restricts developers from releasing alternative phone and messaging apps on iPhones due to stringent privacy and security concerns, as such apps require access to cellular dialing capabilities and the ability to read all messages. Therefore, only Apple’s own apps have permission to access this data.

Apple’s decision to open these APIs in the EU is likely a response to existing or forthcoming regulations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Although Apple has not explicitly commented on the rationale, the move is presumed to be in compliance with European legal mandates.

It is worth noting that third-party apps on iOS can already support Wi-Fi calling and messaging. However, beyond the EU, Apple is unlikely to extend these new permissions to other markets in the near future.

Apple clarified that EU iPhone users will only be able to initiate cellular calls and send or receive SMS/MMS/RCS messages through third-party apps if those apps have been set as the default dialer or messaging app within iOS 26.

As of now, no such replacement apps have been released, but it is presumed that development is already underway. Once iOS 26 launches publicly in the fall, EU users should be able to take advantage of these new alternatives.

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