EU Mandates: Apple Blocks Functionality Instead of Opening It
Apple must allow Wi-Fi sync from iPhones. Instead of implementing, it reportedly disables the function.
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch / heise medien)
New dispute in the ongoing conflict between Apple and the EU Commission: According to a report, the company plans to disable an existing function for its own customers for the first time, rather than implementing an interface dictated by the EU. With iOS 26.2, whose beta test has recently started, Apple will therefore block the synchronization of Wi-Fi access data to the Apple Watch.
The French site Numerama reports. According to the report, Apple communicated the move together with the planned, subsequent introduction of AirPods live translation in the EU. Whether this will actually take effect with iOS 26.2, planned for December, and how it will be implemented specifically, remains unclear for now. Mac & i's inquiry to Apple remains unanswered.
Automatic Wi-Fi Connections Only for the Apple Watch
Specifically, it concerns "automatic Wi-Fi connections": After logging in with the Apple account, Apple Watches automatically receive all Wi-Fi access data already stored on the iPhone. The smartwatches can conveniently connect directly to all known Wi-Fi networks – far from the iPhone – without having to type in access data on the small screen.
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Smartwatches & Co from other manufacturers should also be able to do this to offer competitive products for iPhone users, according to the EU Commission. An interface for automatic Wi-Fi connections is among the far-reaching interoperability requirements that Apple has already been ordered to implement. Apple must implement the first far-reaching opening steps in iOS 26 by the end of the year, including full forwarding of messages to other devices – as comprehensive as only the Apple Watch can do so far.
Apple Warns of Data Protection Problems – EU Rejects This
From the very beginning, Apple has been vehemently opposing most of the requirements. The company feels unfairly treated, sees its rights violated, and warns of data protection and security problems. The transfer of Wi-Fi access data would allow third parties to gain insight into user locations and misuse it for fingerprinting, for example, are the objections. The company emphasizes that it cannot view this data itself – it is only stored locally on the devices and is protected by end-to-end encryption by default during iCloud sync.
The EU Commission has already rejected the data protection and security issues raised by Apple: After all, Apple users are long accustomed to granting apps access to other sensitive data such as precise location and their own photos – or to refuse it. Furthermore, manufacturers of third-party devices are also bound by data protection laws such as the GDPR.
The dispute is increasingly being fought on the backs of users: Apple has already repeatedly delayed the introduction of new functions in the EU, citing the rules of the Digital Markets Act, some functions like iPhone mirroring on the Mac remain blocked. The company most recently explicitly called for the Digital Markets Act to be repealed – or significantly softened.
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