Apple is adjusting automatic WiFi network syncing for Apple Watches in the European Union with the release of iOS 26.2. This change will require EU users to manually enter WiFi passwords on their watches if their paired iPhone is not nearby.
How the Change Impacts Users
Currently, when an Apple Watch is paired with an iPhone, it automatically gains access to all WiFi networks stored on the phone. After the iOS 26.2 update, Apple Watches in the EU will only automatically connect to WiFi networks when the paired iPhone is within range. This means that users who frequently leave their iPhones behind while wearing their watches will no longer benefit from automatic WiFi access and will need to input credentials manually.
This shift primarily affects individuals who regularly use their Apple Watch independently of their iPhone, such as during workouts or commutes. For the majority of users who keep their iPhones close by, the change will likely go unnoticed.
Regulatory Compliance
The reason behind this change is directly linked to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA requires tech companies like Apple to make interoperability accessible to third-party devices as well as their own. Apple appears to be implementing this change as a workaround to avoid broader compliance requirements, rather than fully opening up its systems.
This approach suggests that Apple is choosing to restrict functionality for EU users rather than fully embracing the DMA’s interoperability goals.
The move highlights the ongoing tension between tech giants and regulatory bodies striving to promote competition and user choice in digital markets. While the impact on EU users is limited to this specific feature, it demonstrates a broader pattern of companies adapting to regulations in ways that may not fully align with the intended spirit of the law.
The adjustment is subtle but significant, reflecting Apple’s strategic response to EU regulations while minimizing disruption for most users.
