At WWDC 2024, Apple introduced its latest innovations, Apple Intelligence for iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. However, these features might not be available in the European Union at launch. Apple has announced that Apple Intelligence’s release in the EU could be blocked over regulatory concerns.
Apple Intelligence Might Not Be Available in EU, At Least Not Initially
Apple has announced that its latest features—Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and SharePlay Screen Sharing—might not be available in the European Union (EU) due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The tech giant expressed concerns that complying with the DMA could require compromising the security and integrity of its products and services.
Apple stated to Bloomberg, “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.” Additionally, Apple told the Financial Times, “Due to the regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act, we do not believe that we will be able to roll out three of these [new] features—iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence—to our EU users this year.”
If Apple’s decision holds, hundreds of millions of Apple users in the EU will miss out on these new features and services. The exact ways in which Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and SharePlay Screen Sharing could violate the DMA remain unclear. However, the potential absence of these features underscores the significant impact regulatory requirements can have on technology rollouts.
Despite these challenges, there is still hope for EU users. Apple has not made a final decision and is open to working with the European Commission to find a solution. Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz told The Verge, “We are committed to collaborating with the European Commission in an attempt to find a solution that would enable us to deliver these features to our EU customers without compromising their safety.”
Pokdepinion: While it might take some time to get something that the European Commission will agree with, it will be for the better. Just wait and see how this play out.
