Apple delays AI features in Europe because of DMA regulations

Apple's AI features won't be available in Europe due to regulatory concerns. For now, at least.

On Friday, the company shared in a statement to European outlets that it will block the release of Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and SharePlay Screen Sharing to users in the European Union because of the Digital Markets Act.

"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," said Apple in an email to The Guardian. The features will reportedly not arrive in the EU until 2025.

At this year's WWDC, Apple finally got on the AI train, but in the most Apple way possible. Dubbing its tech Apple Intelligence, the company announced a slew of features for prioritizing notifications, drafting and summarizing emails, automated audio transcriptions, and a newly revamped Siri. Apple also announced a ChatGPT integration with iOS 18. Throughout the event, Apple emphasized its commitment to privacy and data autonomy, which would mean, it said, running Apple Intelligence on a private cloud computing system and asking users for permission before they proceed with ChatGPT actions.

The other two features that will be delayed in the EU aren't part of Apple Intelligence, but relate to interoperability of devices, or lack thereof if you don't have an iPhone or Mac. iPhone Mirroring is a new feature that lets users control their iPhone screen from their desktop with the macOS Sequoia update. SharePlay Screen Sharing is a FaceTime update that lets users take control of a remote device.

But the DMA sees Big Tech companies as "gatekeepers" that wield their power through monopolistic practices. Passed by the European Commission in 2022, the legislation is designed to make the tech industry more competitive and equitable by forcing companies to adhere to a strict set of rules. That includes allowing third party interoperability by not favoring their own products and services or blocking the use of third party apps.

Apple has fought back against the DMA, citing privacy and data security risks as the reason for its tight control over practices like banning alternative app stores and making Safari undelete-able. But the EU is having none of it, and accusing Apple of thwarting competition. Recently, it was reported that Apple could face hefty fines for failing to comply to EU laws.

So now, Apple is withholding its rollout of AI features in the EU for the time being, which means hundreds of millions of Apple users will miss out until it's resolved. "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,” said the Apple statement.

In response to Apple, the European Commission said, "Gatekeepers are welcome to offer their services in Europe, provided that they comply with our rules aimed at ensuring fair competition." It looks like we've got a bit of a staring contest until the two factions can work it out. In the meantime, European Apple users will have to wait.