In response to European Union (EU) regulations on hardware access, Apple has decided to remove the Wi-Fi network sync feature between Apple Watch and iPhone. This change is being implemented for users across the European Union with the new iOS 26 update.

Apple Watch Wi-Fi syncing is being removed

The company’s move is being considered in response to the EU’s requirement to make iPhone Wi-Fi hardware accessible to third-party developers by the end of 2025. Apple has long opposed this regulation, arguing that third-party hardware access would compromise user privacy.

The iOS 26.2 beta, released for European developers, confirmed that the Apple Watch will no longer automatically retrieve Wi-Fi network information from the iPhone. This change directly impacts users. Apple Watch owners will now have to manually connect to Wi-Fi when their paired iPhone is out of range.

Apple told French publication Numerama that it had chosen to “disable Wi-Fi syncing between iPhones and Apple Watches in Europe.” The company had previously complied with some EU requirements.

For example, alternative app stores were allowed in Europe with the iOS 17.4 update. However, Apple took a different approach regarding Wi-Fi syncing, deciding to remove the feature entirely. This decision appears to be a direct consequence of EU regulations that directly impact user experience.

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