Apple Delays Launch of Major New Features in EU, Blames DMA Regulations
Apple is delaying the launch of key AI-powered features for its devices in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Learn more about the impacted features and what the development means for Apple users in the region.
- Apple’s advanced AI-powered features will not be available for users in the EU at the same time as the rest of the world, owing to the provisions of the Digital Markets Act.
- The DMA requires product features to be interoperable with products of other companies, which Apple feels hurts user privacy and data security.
Apple has warned about delays in launching new artificial intelligence-powered product features for users in the European Union (EU). These features include iPhone mirroring, SharePlay screen sharing, and Apple Intelligence generative AI tools. The tech giant blamed the development on restrictions arising from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
According to Apple, the DMA has set stringent requirements on ‘gatekeeper’ companies that have their hold on major online platforms to minimize anticompetitive behavior. Under the new rules, companies must ensure their devices are interoperable with competing services and products. Apple has raised concerns that such changes could compromise user data and privacy.
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As a result, Apple has now stated that the new products will only become available to EU users sometime in 2025. The decision is likely to be watched closely by governments around the world. The development comes at a time when it was rumored that Apple was being looked into for DMA violations, with the delay and app store policies being viewed as malicious compliance with regulation changes.
While the European Commission pushes forward with enforcing compliance with the new laws, other tech leaders have also been pushing back on them. While other companies have not delayed or modified their products for EU users, Amazon, TikTok, and Meta have already filed lawsuits against the European Commission over the new laws.
Apple’s new features, which were set to be released with iOS 18, include the iPhone mirroring feature, which allows users to interact with their iPhones through Mac screens. SharePlay, on the other hand, is an update to FaceTime that allows users to remotely control their devices. Apple Intelligence includes a range of upgrades, including various apps and the Siri virtual assistant.
It remains to be seen how Apple works with EU regulators to enable the rollout of its features, which leaves millions of its users waiting on upgrades without a certain timeline.
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