Apple will deactivate a feature allowing its iPhones and Apple Watches to seamlessly share Wi-Fi network history for users in the European Union, a move the company says is a direct consequence of the region’s Digital Markets Act.
This deactivation, confirmed by Apple for the upcoming iOS 26.2 update, prevents the Apple Watch from automatically connecting to networks previously accessed by a paired iPhone without a password.
The decision stems from the European Commission’s demand that Apple share this historical data with third-party devices, such as smart glasses.
The Commission’s requirement aims to foster competition, but Apple resisted, fearing such data sharing could allow companies like Meta to collect valuable user location data for targeted advertising.
Apple attempted to develop a technical workaround but ultimately chose to disable the feature to avoid compliance with EU mandates.
This marks the first instance of Apple removing an existing feature specifically in the EU due to the DMA. The company previously made a similar decision in the United Kingdom by disabling advanced iCloud data protection.
Users will still be able to manually input Wi-Fi passwords directly on their Apple Watch devices.
Other functionalities, such as iPhone screen mirroring to Mac and certain SharePlay features, are also unavailable in Europe due to the DMA.
Despite this, Apple is introducing some new features in Europe with iOS 26.2, including simultaneous translation for AirPods, after developing a specific audio routing API.
Apple maintains its stance, expressing “deep concern with the Commission’s aggressive interpretation of these rules, which we believe place users at risk and harm innovation.”