Apple has announced it will not release its flagship AI features, including Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and enhanced SharePlay Screen Sharing, to users in the European Union this year. The company cites significant regulatory uncertainty stemming from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) as the primary reason for the delay.
The decision, revealed on Friday, means that millions of users across the 27 EU member states will not have access to the new capabilities when iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia launch this fall. These features were the centerpiece of Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), positioned as a major step forward in making its devices more helpful and intuitive.
In a statement, Apple expressed concerns that the DMA’s interoperability requirements could force it to compromise product integrity in ways that risk user privacy and data security. The DMA compels designated “gatekeeper” companies like Apple to open up their services and platforms to third-party developers and services. Apple argues that meeting these obligations for its new AI features, which are deeply integrated into the operating system, is not currently possible without creating security vulnerabilities.
“We are concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security,” an Apple spokesperson stated. The company affirmed its commitment to collaborating with the European Commission to find a solution, but did not provide a timeline for a potential EU rollout.
This move highlights the escalating friction between major technology firms and regulators. While the DMA aims to foster a more competitive digital market, its implementation is creating complex challenges for companies with tightly integrated hardware and software ecosystems. For now, European customers will be left waiting for the next generation of Apple’s AI-powered user experience.
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