Apple Inc. has made a significant announcement that will impact its European Union customers: the delay of several anticipated AI features due to regulatory concerns stemming from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The features in question, which include Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and SharePlay Screen Sharing, were set to enhance user experience on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices starting this fall. However, Apple has expressed that the DMA’s interoperability requirements may force the company to lower its security standards, risking user privacy and data security —a compromise Apple is unwilling to make.In light of these challenges, Apple has decided to postpone the launch of these features in the EU market until at least 2025, while they will be available in the US and other regions later this year. The company has received a formal warning from EU regulators and faced a substantial fine earlier in the year over app store practices, which has likely influenced their cautious stance. Apple is actively seeking a resolution with the EU Commission, but for now, EU residents will miss out on the new AI capabilities. Additionally, while Apple Intelligence is set for beta testing in the US with English language support, the company is also exploring partnerships in China to introduce AI features in its second-largest iPhone market.
Key points
- Apple delays launch of AI features in EU due to Digital Markets Act concerns.
- Interoperability requirements may compromise user privacy and data security, according to Apple.
- Features will be available in the US and other markets this fall, but not in the EU until at least 2025.
