Apple to Delay Launch of New AI Features in Europe Due to Regulatory Compliance

Apple announced on Friday that it will postpone the release of key AI features in iOS 18 for users in the European Union, citing compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. According to Bloomberg, the delay affects the introduction of Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring on the Mac, and SharePlay Screen Sharing in the EU this year.

In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple expressed concerns that the DMA's interoperability requirements could compromise user privacy and data security. However, the company did not elaborate on how these regulations might impact user protection.

The DMA, enacted in 2022, aims to promote fair competition by curbing the practices of major tech companies that inhibit rivalry. The legislation prevents these firms from favoring their own services, sidelining smaller competitors, locking customer data within their platforms, and limiting transparency regarding advertising data usage.

This isn’t the first instance of Apple attributing constraints on EU services to regulatory challenges, often without detailed explanations. Earlier this year, the company announced it would eliminate the ability to add home screen web apps in Europe due to DMA provisions but later reversed the decision after receiving user requests. Similarly, Google removed third-party apps and watch faces from European devices, citing "new regulatory requirements."

Apple’s current delay is significant, especially as EU regulations pose ongoing challenges for the company. The European Commission launched a formal investigation into Apple in March and is expected to file charges for potential DMA violations in the coming weeks. Earlier this year, Apple faced a €1.8 billion ($1.95 billion) fine for restricting app developers from informing iOS users about cheaper music subscription options available outside of its ecosystem.