Apple and the EU are locked in a battle; iOS 26.2 will disable automatic Wi-Fi syncing in Europe.

Reports indicate that Apple will remove the automatic Wi-Fi network synchronization feature in the upcoming iOS 26.2 stable version, to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). Automatic Wi-Fi network synchronization means that when an Apple device (such as an iPhone) connects to a new Wi-Fi network, it automatically shares the network's name and password with an Apple Watch logged into the same Apple ID, allowing the watch to connect without manually entering the password again.

French media outlet Numerama reports that this feature reduction reflects a power struggle between Apple and the European Commission. The European Commission demands that Apple grant third-party accessories (such as Meta's smart glasses) Wi-Fi access to iPhones by the end of 2025, providing them with the same connectivity as the Apple Watch.

Apple has consistently opposed this, arguing that forcibly opening hardware interfaces poses a serious threat to user privacy, potentially leading to data breaches and security risks. In a June 2025 statement, Apple emphasized that these requirements were "unreasonable, costly, and stifle innovation," noting that "data-hungry companies" could use them to obtain sensitive user information, including notification content and Wi-Fi connection history.

For iPhone users in Europe, the removal of Wi-Fi sync means that when a user's Apple Watch is out of Bluetooth range of a paired iPhone, it will no longer be able to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks previously remembered by the iPhone.

It's worth noting that iOS 26.2 also brings good news for EU users. The AirPods "Real-Time Translation" feature, previously delayed due to DMA compliance reviews, will officially launch in this update.