Key Takeaways
- Apple will remove iPhone-Apple Watch WiFi password sharing in Europe
- Company claims EU regulations undermine user security protections
- This marks the latest feature casualty in Apple-EU regulatory battle
Apple is removing a key iPhone feature for European users amid escalating tensions with EU regulators. The upcoming iOS update will eliminate the ability to automatically share WiFi passwords between iPhones and Apple Watches.
The move represents the latest development in Apple’s ongoing dispute with European authorities over the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which took effect in 2022.
Security vs Competition: The Core Conflict
Apple has accused the European Commission of using the DMA to “continually undercut Apple’s ability to protect its users.” The company maintains that EU regulations have weakened iPhone security protections while the EU argues the rules promote fair competition.
In a strongly worded response to recent accusations about App Store security, Apple stated: “We are concerned that these new inquiries are cynical attempts to distract from the core problems caused by the Commission’s misguided DMA enforcement efforts.”
The letter from Apple Vice President of Legal Kyle Andeer further asserted: “The Commission has made the App Store less safe for users: It introduced new vulnerabilities and undermined the protections Apple has long put in place to protect users of the App Store.”
What’s Changing for European Users
The removed feature currently allows seamless WiFi connectivity between iPhones and Apple Watches. When users log into a WiFi network on their iPhone, the connection automatically extends to their paired Apple Watch without requiring separate authentication.
Reports indicate Apple is removing this functionality over concerns it might violate DMA requirements. The regulations mandate that Apple open WiFi access to third-party accessories by year-end, potentially giving competing wearables better integration with iPhones.
This follows other feature limitations for European users, including the unavailability of iPhone mirroring that enables computer access to iPhone content.
Apple has repeatedly warned that DMA compliance may lead to more feature removals or delays across its product ecosystem in European markets.
