iOS 26.2 brings a significant change to Wi-Fi sharing between iPhones and Apple Watches in the European Union. The feature, which previously ran silently in the background, is now restricted for newly paired Apple Watches. This is due to the requirements of the Digital Markets Act, which aims to enforce interoperability between devices.
Apple has already announced the changes in iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2. Since then, the question has arisen as to why a practical function is suddenly being restricted. The answer lies in the way Apple processes Wi-Fi data. This data is sensitive because it allows inferences to be made about locations and habits. However, the Device Management Act (DMA) requires that such functions must also be available for third-party devices. This is precisely what is now leading to the system change.
How Wi-Fi sharing worked previously
Before iOS 26.2, the process was simple. A new Apple Watch was paired, and the iPhone automatically and privately transferred the complete Wi-Fi history. This eliminated the need to manually enter every known connection. The process worked exclusively locally between the iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple had no access whatsoever to network lists, Wi-Fi names, or passwords.
This architecture was deliberately designed this way. Wi-Fi lists reveal a lot about movements, interests, and locations. A single network name can be enough to identify patterns. That's precisely why Apple shouldn't be able to see or store this data.
What's changing with iOS 26.2 in the EU
The Digital Markets Act requires that third-party accessories have the same interoperability features as Apple devices. If the Apple Watch were to continue accessing the entire Wi-Fi history, other manufacturers like Meta would need the same access. This is technically impossible because Apple never possesses this data.
Therefore, with iOS 26.2, the following applies in the EU:
- The existing Wi-Fi history of an iPhone is no longer transferred when pairing a new Apple Watch.
- All known networks must be manually configured on the watch.
- New networks will continue to be shared automatically, but only if the iPhone and Apple Watch are in the same location at the same time.
- No synchronization takes place when the devices are disconnected.
Examples of the new behavior
- A café with a known Wi-Fi network. The Apple Watch does not connect automatically. Setup must be done manually.
- A new café. As soon as the iPhone connects to the Wi-Fi, the name and password are automatically transferred to the Apple Watch.
- The home Wi-Fi network. The Apple Watch must be connected manually.
- An Airbnb being visited for the first time. The connection on the iPhone is sufficient; the Apple Watch automatically receives the login details.
The difference lies solely in the way things have gone so far. New networks will continue to be shared, old ones will not.
Why Apple chooses this approach
Tim Sweeney of Epic Games publicly questioned why Apple doesn't simply request permission to share Wi-Fi history, regardless of whether the device is Apple or a third-party vendor. The idea seems logical, but it overlooks the technical basis.
Apple itself never has access to the Wi-Fi data. The transmission happens exclusively from device to device. Therefore, Apple cannot obtain consent for sharing the data, because Apple does not possess it.
Furthermore, there is no guarantee that third parties will treat network data confidentially. Once they have access, they could store, analyze, and create profiles. The DMA would not prevent them from doing so. Wi-Fi data allows for precise inferences about locations. Even simple interests can be deduced from a network like Starbucks Wi-Fi. More sensitive networks could provide much deeper insights.
To avoid these risks, Apple removes the transmission of previous Wi-Fi browsing history in the EU. This preserves privacy without violating the DMA's interoperability rules.
How iOS 26.2 combines privacy and DMA
iOS 26.2 introduces a noticeable change to the setup process for new Apple Watches in the EU. While the removal of automatic Wi-Fi history transfer requires slightly more effort, it simultaneously protects sensitive data. Since Apple never stored this information, open access for third parties would have been technically and legally impossible. The adjustment in iOS 26.2 therefore represents a pragmatic way to both comply with the DMA requirements and safeguard privacy. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff)
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