eu Archives - The Mac Blog

MacPaw Pulls the Plug on SetApp Mobile App Marketplace

MacPaw is closing the Setapp Mobile app marketplace on February 16, 2026, due to unprofitable business terms. EU users must back up their app data before the shutdown, while the Mac app store will remain operational. Critics argue this highlights Apple's failure to promote alternative app marketplaces, which lack user demand. The EU's regulation efforts are seen as misguided since users generally prefer the App Store. Popular demand for third-party app solutions is not present, limiting their success.

https://daringfireball.net/2026/01/macpaw_pulls_plug_on_setapp_mobile_in_eu

Exploring, in Detail, Apple’s Compliance With the EU’s DMA Mandate Regarding Apple Watch, Third-Party Accessories, and the Syncing of Saved Wi-Fi Networks From iPhones to Which They’re Paired

apple, eu

Apple is changing how Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhones and Apple Watches works in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Currently, Apple Watches get the complete list of saved Wi-Fi networks from an iPhone during setup. Starting with iOS and WatchOS 26.2, new EU Apple Watches will only sync networks that the iPhone joins after the watch is paired. Apple is also launching a new API for third-party accessories in the EU to enable similar, but limited, Wi-Fi syncing. These steps aim to balance user privacy with regulatory requirements without granting third-party devices broad access to user data. Most existing Apple Watch users in the EU won’t notice significant changes. The move illustrates Apple’s approach to regulatory compliance, prioritizing privacy and product control over developer access.

https://daringfireball.net/2025/11/apple_eu_dma_iphone_accessories_wi-fi_sync

Michael Tsai

apple, eu, regulation, watch

iOS 26.2 will remove iPhone-Apple Watch Wi-Fi sync in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act, prompting concerns over user experience and competition. Critics argue Apple's reasoning seems like fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) while highlighting that current restrictions hinder usability with third-party devices.

https://mjtsai.com/blog/2025/11/06/ios-26-2-to-remove-iphone-apple-watch-wi-fi-sync-in-eu/

Michael Tsai

apple, eu, regulation, translation

Apple's AirPods Live Translation feature will expand to the EU next month, enabling easier communication across languages. This expansion faced delays due to engineering work to meet the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements, purportedly to enhance user privacy. The specific changes made for compliance remain unclear, prompting speculation over whether privacy flaws were present in the initial version. While the feature will support various languages, it appears not to extend to third-party devices or apps.

https://mjtsai.com/blog/2025/11/06/airpods-live-translation-expands-to-the-eu/