iOS 26.2 will remove one feature in parts of the world
In a notable shift for Apple Watch users in the European Union, the upcoming iOS 26.2 update will introduce changes that could complicate connectivity for those who frequently leave their iPhones behind. As reported by the French publication Numerama and highlighted by 9to5Mac, the new update will restrict the automatic syncing of WiFi networks between iPhones and Apple Watches. Traditionally, when users pair their Apple Watch with an iPhone, the watch seamlessly gains access to all WiFi networks stored on the phone. However, with the changes set to roll out later this year, Apple Watch users in the EU will only be able to connect to these networks if their paired iPhone is physically nearby.
This alteration means that if a user leaves their iPhone at home while heading out with just their Apple Watch—say, for a quick trip to a café—they will now need to manually enter the WiFi password on their watch. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, it could prove cumbersome for those who frequently find themselves in situations where they rely solely on their watch for connectivity. It is worth noting that this change primarily impacts a niche group of users, as most Apple Watch owners tend to have their iPhones with them. However, it does highlight a significant shift in how Apple is navigating regulatory pressures in the EU.
The reasoning behind this decision is rooted in the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which aims to foster interoperability among devices, including those from third-party manufacturers. By limiting the automatic syncing feature, Apple appears to be attempting to circumvent these regulations, which could require them to make their devices more compatible with non-Apple products. While the impact of this change may be relatively small for the average user, it underscores the broader implications of regulatory frameworks on technology companies and their product offerings. As Apple continues to adapt to these regulations, it remains to be seen how future updates and features will evolve, particularly in regions with stringent market rules.
The latest version of
iOS
will somewhat negatively affect
Apple Watch
users in the European Union.
Specifically, automatic WiFi network syncing between
iPhones
and Apple Watches will be toned down for EU users when
iOS 26.2
launches later this year, per the French publication
Numerama
(via
9to5Mac
). Normally, when you set up an Apple Watch by pairing it with an iPhone, it automatically gets access to all the WiFi networks stored in the phone’s memory banks. When iOS 26.2 drops, users in the EU will find that this no longer happens in the same way.
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Namely, the difference seems to be that an Apple Watch will only automatically connect to a WiFi network if its paired iPhone is physically nearby. If you run to the cafe with your watch but not your phone, you’ll have to manually type in the WiFi password on the watch now. This really only seems like it will affect people who regularly leave the house with their Apple Watch but not their iPhone, which I imagine to be a pretty small subset of users.
You’re probably wondering why Apple would do this. The answer, of course, is to avoid market regulations. The EU’s Digital Markets Act mandates that companies like Apple make that sort of interoperability available to third-party devices as well as their own devices. Apple doesn’t want to do that, so Europeans have to suffer a bit.
Only a bit, though.
