Apple has announced a delay in the rollout of its much-anticipated AI-powered features in Europe, citing stringent privacy and security requirements under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The features, set to be available in the United States this autumn, will now only be available in Europe in 2025. These include enhancements to Phone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing, and the newly introduced Apple Intelligence.
Apple articulated its concerns over interoperability requirements mandated by the DMA, arguing that such measures could compromise the security and privacy of its devices. In a statement, the company expressed: “Specifically, 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.” This position has been contentious, with EU officials previously challenging Apple’s claims.
The European Commission responded by reiterating that Apple is welcome in the EU, provided that it adheres to local regulations. Earlier this month, Apple introduced Apple Intelligence at its annual developer conference. This suite of AI features integrates ChatGPT and Siri, facilitating web searches and the generation of images or text. Additionally, users will be able to search through their emails, texts, and photos based on specific prompts when the next version of Apple’s mobile operating system is released later this year.
These features will be accessible on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as iPad and Mac devices equipped with the M1 chip and its successors. The iPhone Mirroring feature on MacOS Sequoia will also enable the phone’s screen to be viewed and interacted with on Mac computers.
Apple has reiterated its commitment to privacy, with CEO Tim Cook stating earlier in June that the new AI features would be “grounded in your personal context like your routine, your relationships, your communications and more.” Apple further emphasised its dedication to collaborating with the European Commission to find a viable path forward: “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.”
As Apple negotiates the complexities of the regulatory landscape, European users will have to wait until 2025 to benefit from these cutting-edge AI functionalities.
Apple’s postponement of its AI features in Europe underscores the intricate balance between innovation and regulatory compliance. While the company navigates these challenges, the commitment to privacy and user security remains paramount.
