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With iOS 26.2, Apple is making a controversial change that could directly impact the everyday use of iPhones and Apple Watches – at least in Europe. As part of the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), an established feature that previously ensured seamless connectivity between the devices is being removed.
iOS 26.2 brings new features, but also limitations. While live translation for AirPods is now being added in the EU, Wi-Fi network synchronization between iPhone and Apple Watch is being removed. This is due to a requirement from the EU Commission, which Apple says it will not accept for data privacy reasons. The decision is causing discussion – and not just among tech enthusiasts.
Wi-Fi synchronization will be disabled in Europe with iOS 26.2.
In iOS 26.2, Wi-Fi network synchronization between iPhone and Apple Watch will no longer be available in the EU. Apple confirmed this to the French publication Numerama . This change affects only users within the European Union. The feature will remain available outside the EU.
Wi-Fi synchronization allows the Apple Watch to automatically connect to known networks if the paired iPhone has saved them. Without this feature, future connectivity issues could arise, especially if the iPhone is not in close proximity.
Background: Pressure from the EU Commission and the Digital Markets Act
The decision is directly related to the Digital Markets Act, an EU regulation that requires large tech companies to be more transparent. Part of the regulation stipulates that Apple would have to grant third-party providers like Meta or other wearable manufacturers access to Wi-Fi connection data – to guarantee equal treatment with the Apple Watch.
Apple rejects this. The company has been warning for months that releasing Wi-Fi history poses a significant privacy risk. As a specific example, Apple cites the possibility that a company like Meta could use AR glasses to infer users' locations. This information could then be used to create movement profiles, which in turn could be used for targeted advertising.
Apple protects itself from regulatory obligations by disabling this feature.
According to Apple, disabling the feature is not a penalty or retaliatory measure against the EU, but a technical consequence. If synchronization between iPhone and Apple Watch were to remain, Apple would be required by the DMA to allow third-party providers to use this connection by the end of 2025 – something Apple is ruling out for security reasons. The feature is therefore being removed to comply with legal requirements without exposing sensitive user data.
Uncertainties regarding the future use of the Apple Watch
It's not yet entirely clear what practical impact this change will have on Apple Watch usage. It's speculated that the restriction will be most relevant when the iPhone is out of range. In situations where both devices are close together, the Apple Watch might still be able to access known networks – however, this hasn't been confirmed. Apple has not yet released any details regarding the specific implementation.
AirPods Live Translation is coming to the EU in iOS 26.2
In addition to the restriction, iOS 26.2 also brings a new feature for European users: AirPods Live Translation is now enabled in the EU with this update. The feature was already available in other regions with iOS 26. Apple explained the delay by citing technical adjustments necessary to comply with the Digital Markets Act. The feature is now ready and will be activated with iOS 26.2.
iOS 26.2: Between data protection and EU regulations
With iOS 26.2, Apple is specifically adapting the system for the European market. The decision to remove Wi-Fi synchronization between iPhone and Apple Watch is based on a legal balancing act between data privacy and regulatory pressure. This measure affects only users in the EU and is likely to result in noticeable limitations in certain situations – especially when the iPhone and Apple Watch are not in close proximity. At the same time, Apple demonstrates with the introduction of AirPods Live Translation that new features can find their way to Europe despite regulatory hurdles – albeit not without compromises. (Image: Shutterstock / Ground Picture)
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