Automatic Wi-Fi synchronization of the Apple Watch is disabled.

With the update to iOS 26.2, Apple will disable automatic Wi-Fi synchronization between iPhones and Apple Watches in the EU. This is the only way to comply with the EU's new legal requirements regarding interoperability.

So far, the Apple Smartwatch The Apple Watch automatically connects to known Wi-Fi hotspots when outside the Bluetooth range of the owner's iPhone. According to a report by Numerama from France, this Apple Watch feature is now being deactivated to circumvent EU regulations that would have required third-party providers to have access to the iPhone's Wi-Fi hardware from the end of 2025.

New EU rules on device interoperability

The EU is planning new rules on device interoperability as part of the EU Digital Markets Act (GDM). These rules will require large technology companies (so-called gatekeepers) like Apple to open their systems to third-party providers in order to ensure fair competition and prevent the abuse of their market power.

In Apple's case, this means that the synchronization of Wi-Fi data between iPhone and Apple Watch would also have to be made accessible to devices from other manufacturers – such as smartwatches or glasses from Meta.

Apple has repeatedly expressed criticism of these requirements, emphasizing that disclosing sensitive hardware interfaces could pose potential risks to user privacy and security. For example, location data could be used for targeted advertising or to create movement profiles.

Unlike previous EU requirements – such as opening up alternative app marketplaces through iOS 17.4 – Apple has not offered an alternative solution this time. Instead of opening up the iPhone's Wi-Fi hardware module or allowing third-party providers, the feature is being disabled.

As with other EU requirements, Apple is not offering an alternative this time and will not open the Wi-Fi module to third parties, but will instead deactivate it.

Apple Watch owners will now have to manually connect their watch to Wi-Fi networks if their paired iPhone is not nearby. This change applies only within the European Union. Outside the EU, the existing automatic synchronization will continue.