Apple has adjusted the way the Wi-Fi network synchronization between iPhone and Apple Watch in the European Union with the new betas of iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2. The change makes the watch It will automatically stop receiving, upon first pairing, the history of networks saved on the iPhone. The change, which affects users of Spain and the rest of the EUThis feature complies with the interoperability requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The new feature introduces a more limited model: networks will only be shared when the iPhone and Apple Watch are together and the iPhone connects first.
What changes with iOS 26.2 in the EU
Until now, when setting up a new Apple Watch, the watch received private the entire Wi-Fi network history from the iPhone, what He avoided typing passwords on his wrist.This exchange followed an end-to-end design between user devices, without Apple seeing or storing the data.
With iOS 26.2 in the European Union, that initial backup of the history no longer occurs. Instead, the Wi-Fi information It will be shared on a case-by-case basis, provided that the iPhone and Apple Watch are together and the iPhone establishes the connection to that network.
Therefore, with this new change, it will work as follows depending on the new or old networks we have on our iPhone:
- Known network: If you have an iPhone and an Apple Watch, the network will be shared with the watch when the iPhone connects. If you only have an Apple Watch, you'll need to enter your passcode on the watch.
- New network: First, connect the iPhone; with both connected, the Apple Watch will receive the name and password at that time.
- Home Wi-FiWhen the iPhone connects for the first time after pairing the watch, it will share the network with the Apple Watch.
- Temporary stay (hotel or holiday rental)Connect your iPhone and, with both devices at hand, that network will sync to the watch.
The essence is that there is no longer access to complete history In the initial pairing in the EU; synchronization happens on a timely basis and in proximity.
Reason for change: LMD and interoperability
La Digital Markets Law The European Union requires that interoperability functions be available for third parties under equivalent conditions to those of the manufacturer's own products. If Apple maintained a massive copy of the history, it would be pressured to offer that same access to third-party accessories.
Apple argues that it cannot guarantee how other manufacturers would handle that data: a list of Wi-Fi networks It can reveal habits, places visited, or interests. Since Apple does not receive or store these keys (the exchange is private, device-to-device), opening this door to third parties could lead to uses other than those intended by the user.
With iOS 26.2 in the EU, when you pair an accessory like a smart glasses Your Wi-Fi history will not be shared with third-party devices. Only information about new networks you connect to with your iPhone will be transmitted, and only if the accessory is with you at that moment. As we've said, this limitation aims to prevent third-party manufacturers from receiving a full dump from previously used networks, reducing the risk of behavioral profiling based on locations or routines.