With iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2, Apple is discontinuing an essential Wi-Fi sharing function for iPhone and Apple Watch in the European Union due to interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This modification indicates that beginning with iOS 26.2, iPhone will cease to synchronize Wi-Fi history to a newly paired Apple Watch in the EU.
### How It Operates Today
At present, when a user configures a new Apple Watch, their Wi-Fi network history is automatically shared from their iPhone. This effortless process enables users to avoid the hassle of manually connecting to Wi-Fi networks and inputting passwords on their Apple Watch. Apple highlights that this Wi-Fi sharing is intended to be private, with Apple itself having no access to Wi-Fi names or passwords. This confidentiality is vital as it prevents the formation of user profiles based on Wi-Fi network connections.
### What’s Altering in the EU
According to the new regulations in the EU, when a user pairs a new Apple Watch, the Wi-Fi network history will be unsynchronized from their iPhone. Users will need to connect manually to any previously utilized Wi-Fi networks on their Apple Watch. Nonetheless, any new networks a user connects to on their iPhone will still sync to their Apple Watch, as long as both devices are nearby.
For instance:
– A previously utilized coffee shop Wi-Fi will necessitate a manual connection on the Apple Watch.
– A new coffee shop Wi-Fi will automatically sync after being connected on the iPhone.
This adjustment is in response to the DMA, which requires that third-party accessories have the same interoperability capabilities as Apple’s products. Since Apple does not keep Wi-Fi history, it is unable to provide this information to third-party devices, resulting in the elimination of historical Wi-Fi syncing for new Apple Watch pairings in the EU.
### Effects on Third-Party Devices
With iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2, when configuring third-party accessories, like Meta Ray-Ban Glasses, users will not share their Wi-Fi history. Only new Wi-Fi networks that are joined while the iPhone and accessory are in proximity will be shared.
Critics, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, have raised questions about why Apple does not permit users to decide on sharing Wi-Fi history with third-party devices. However, the technical reality is that Apple does not retain this information, as it is communicated directly between devices without Apple’s involvement.
### Conclusion
Apple’s choice to alter Wi-Fi sharing in iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2 demonstrates its dedication to user privacy and adherence to EU regulations. While it may complicate the user experience for Apple Watch users in the EU, the modification aims to safeguard user data from potential exploitation by third parties. The update is presently in beta testing and is anticipated to be released to the public shortly.
