Weekly Review 45: Apple Intelligence, iOS 26.1, iPhone 18 rumors and more

Apple users in the European Union will soon be without a familiar feature: automatic Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch may disappear in an upcoming iOS 26 update. This decision is due to new rules from Brussels on cooperation and privacy with regard to WiFi networks.

This all has to do with the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA); it states that the Wi-Fi network features must be open to all manufacturers if Apple does this too. For privacy reasons, Apple does not want other manufacturers to be able to simply take over the WiFi data and therefore disables WiFi synchronization.

Since spring 2023, users have been able to switch to HomeKit’s new architecture. This was not mandatory, but an update was necessary to be able to use new options and possibilities.

The new architecture has improved the performance of HomeKit. According to Apple, this mainly results in a faster response time in homes that use many accessories. But this also improves the overall performance. The update is without obligation, but will soon be necessary to continue using HomeKit.

Apple introduced a new feature this year that could change the way we communicate in different languages. Live Translate, which was introduced with the new AirPods Pro 3, is also available for older AirPods models and with iOS 26.2 it is also coming to the EU.

Live Translate is a smart translation feature that uses Apple Intelligence to instantly translate conversations. The feature turns your AirPods into a translation machine that removes language barriers. When someone speaks to you in another language, the AirPods immediately translate it into your language.

Apple users in the European Union will soon be without a familiar feature: automatic Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch may disappear in an upcoming iOS 26 update. This decision is due to new rules from Brussels on cooperation and privacy with regard to WiFi networks.

This all has to do with the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA); it states that the Wi-Fi network features must be open to all manufacturers if Apple does this too. For privacy reasons, Apple does not want other manufacturers to be able to simply take over the WiFi data and therefore disables WiFi synchronization.

Since spring 2023, users have been able to switch to HomeKit’s new architecture. This was not mandatory, but an update was necessary to be able to use new options and possibilities.

The new architecture has improved the performance of HomeKit. According to Apple, this mainly results in a faster response time in homes that use many accessories. But this also improves the overall performance. The update is without obligation, but will soon be necessary to continue using HomeKit.

Good news for all Apple Watch users: WhatsApp is now officially available on your Apple Watch. After years of waiting for a standalone app, Meta has finally responded to the wishes of millions of users. It means you can do much more with WhatsApp on your wrist – without having to take your iPhone out of your pocket.

Although WhatsApp has been sending notifications to the Apple Watch for years, it has always been limited to basic notifications and quick replies. That is now fundamentally changing. Meta has released a fully native app that allows you to manage all your WhatsApp chats directly on your Apple Watch.

Apple introduced a new feature this year that could change the way we communicate in different languages. Live Translate, which was introduced with the new AirPods Pro 3, is also available for older AirPods models and with iOS 26.2 it is also coming to the EU.

Live Translate is a smart translation feature that uses Apple Intelligence to instantly translate conversations. The feature turns your AirPods into a translation machine that removes language barriers. When someone speaks to you in another language, the AirPods immediately translate it into your language.

Apple users in the European Union will soon be without a familiar feature: automatic Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch may disappear in an upcoming iOS 26 update. This decision is due to new rules from Brussels on cooperation and privacy with regard to WiFi networks.

This all has to do with the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA); it states that the Wi-Fi network features must be open to all manufacturers if Apple does this too. For privacy reasons, Apple does not want other manufacturers to be able to simply take over the WiFi data and therefore disables WiFi synchronization.

Since spring 2023, users have been able to switch to HomeKit’s new architecture. This was not mandatory, but an update was necessary to be able to use new options and possibilities.

The new architecture has improved the performance of HomeKit. According to Apple, this mainly results in a faster response time in homes that use many accessories. But this also improves the overall performance. The update is without obligation, but will soon be necessary to continue using HomeKit.

From now on you can iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 download for iPhone and iPad. For Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV, macOS Tahoe 26.1, watchOS 26.2 and tvOS 26.1 are also available. The new software update fixes several bugs and issues, as well as Apple Intelligence in Dutch and improvements in the Liquid Glass design.

View our overview of iOS 26 tips for all the possibilities for iPhone and iPad, and with our tips for macOS Tahoe you can get the most out of your Mac. watchOS 26 adds several new features, including a new control panel. We explain how to update your Apple devices.

Good news for all Apple Watch users: WhatsApp is now officially available on your Apple Watch. After years of waiting for a standalone app, Meta has finally responded to the wishes of millions of users. It means you can do much more with WhatsApp on your wrist – without having to take your iPhone out of your pocket.

Although WhatsApp has been sending notifications to the Apple Watch for years, it has always been limited to basic notifications and quick replies. That is now fundamentally changing. Meta has released a fully native app that allows you to manage all your WhatsApp chats directly on your Apple Watch.

Apple introduced a new feature this year that could change the way we communicate in different languages. Live Translate, which was introduced with the new AirPods Pro 3, is also available for older AirPods models and with iOS 26.2 it is also coming to the EU.

Live Translate is a smart translation feature that uses Apple Intelligence to instantly translate conversations. The feature turns your AirPods into a translation machine that removes language barriers. When someone speaks to you in another language, the AirPods immediately translate it into your language.

Apple users in the European Union will soon be without a familiar feature: automatic Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch may disappear in an upcoming iOS 26 update. This decision is due to new rules from Brussels on cooperation and privacy with regard to WiFi networks.

This all has to do with the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA); it states that the Wi-Fi network features must be open to all manufacturers if Apple does this too. For privacy reasons, Apple does not want other manufacturers to be able to simply take over the WiFi data and therefore disables WiFi synchronization.

Since spring 2023, users have been able to switch to HomeKit’s new architecture. This was not mandatory, but an update was necessary to be able to use new options and possibilities.

The new architecture has improved the performance of HomeKit. According to Apple, this mainly results in a faster response time in homes that use many accessories. But this also improves the overall performance. The update is without obligation, but will soon be necessary to continue using HomeKit.

The iPhone 18 series is expected to get a redesigned Dynamic Island interface. Rumors report that Apple is working on a revamped user experience for Dynamic Island. Thanks to updated sensor technology, a small Dynamic Island on the iPhone is possible.

The switch to full under-screen Face ID is not expected to happen in 2026. Sources within the supply chain report that Apple is making steps towards a smaller Dynamic Island for the iPhone 18 series, thanks to updated sensor technology and an even more efficient placement of the TrueDepth camera.

From now on you can iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 download for iPhone and iPad. For Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV, macOS Tahoe 26.1, watchOS 26.2 and tvOS 26.1 are also available. The new software update fixes several bugs and issues, as well as Apple Intelligence in Dutch and improvements in the Liquid Glass design.

View our overview of iOS 26 tips for all the possibilities for iPhone and iPad, and with our tips for macOS Tahoe you can get the most out of your Mac. watchOS 26 adds several new features, including a new control panel. We explain how to update your Apple devices.

Good news for all Apple Watch users: WhatsApp is now officially available on your Apple Watch. After years of waiting for a standalone app, Meta has finally responded to the wishes of millions of users. It means you can do much more with WhatsApp on your wrist – without having to take your iPhone out of your pocket.

Although WhatsApp has been sending notifications to the Apple Watch for years, it has always been limited to basic notifications and quick replies. That is now fundamentally changing. Meta has released a fully native app that allows you to manage all your WhatsApp chats directly on your Apple Watch.

Apple introduced a new feature this year that could change the way we communicate in different languages. Live Translate, which was introduced with the new AirPods Pro 3, is also available for older AirPods models and with iOS 26.2 it is also coming to the EU.

Live Translate is a smart translation feature that uses Apple Intelligence to instantly translate conversations. The feature turns your AirPods into a translation machine that removes language barriers. When someone speaks to you in another language, the AirPods immediately translate it into your language.

Apple users in the European Union will soon be without a familiar feature: automatic Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch may disappear in an upcoming iOS 26 update. This decision is due to new rules from Brussels on cooperation and privacy with regard to WiFi networks.

This all has to do with the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA); it states that the Wi-Fi network features must be open to all manufacturers if Apple does this too. For privacy reasons, Apple does not want other manufacturers to be able to simply take over the WiFi data and therefore disables WiFi synchronization.

Since spring 2023, users have been able to switch to HomeKit’s new architecture. This was not mandatory, but an update was necessary to be able to use new options and possibilities.

The new architecture has improved the performance of HomeKit. According to Apple, this mainly results in a faster response time in homes that use many accessories. But this also improves the overall performance. The update is without obligation, but will soon be necessary to continue using HomeKit.