Apple to Remove iPhone-Apple Watch Wi-Fi Sync (EU)
Apple to remove iPhone-Apple Watch Wi-Fi sync in EU with iOS 26.2 due to DMA rules. Here’s what changes.
Matilda
Apple to Remove iPhone-Apple Watch Wi-Fi Sync (EU) Apple to Remove iPhone-Apple Watch Wi-Fi Sync in EU — What’s Happening? Apple will remove iPhone-to-Apple Watch Wi-Fi syncing for users in the European Union with the upcoming iOS 26.2 update , according to early reports. The change comes as Apple works to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) , which pushes the company to open Wi-Fi hardware to third-party accessories. Image : Google
This feature previously allowed the Apple Watch to connect to new Wi-Fi networks automatically once paired with an iPhone—no password entry required. With iOS 26.2, EU users may lose the convenience of seamless connectivity. Why Is Apple Removing iPhone-Apple Watch Wi-Fi Sync in EU? Apple is reportedly choosing to disable automatic Wi-Fi credential sharing rather than open internal Wi-Fi APIs to third-party devices, as required by the DMA. The EU expects compliance by end of 2025 , aligning with the arrival of iOS 26.2. Apple has repeatedly criticized these regulations, saying they could compromise devic…