Apple has announced that it will not be launching its highly anticipated Apple Intelligence, alongside other significant features like iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing, in the European Union (EU) this year. The delay is attributed to concerns over compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), promising significant enhancements to Siri through generative AI and numerous advanced features for iOS and macOS. The announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm from consumers, critics, and analysts. Despite the positive reception, Apple has cited the DMA as the primary reason for withholding these features from the EU market.
According to a statement from Apple, “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.” This stance reflects Apple’s caution in navigating the DMA’s stringent requirements, which aim to prevent anti-competitive behavior by major digital platforms, or “gatekeepers.”
The DMA mandates that large digital platforms ensure interoperability with third-party services, which Apple argues could compromise user privacy and data security. Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz explained, “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.”
Apple has already experienced friction with the EU over the DMA, particularly concerning the App Store’s policies and the requirement for alternative payment methods. The company has faced significant fines, including a $2 billion penalty for allegedly hindering competition in music streaming services. EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager has expressed serious concerns about Apple’s compliance with the DMA, further complicating the regulatory landscape for the tech giant.
The delay of Apple Intelligence and other features could have several repercussions. EU consumers might feel disadvantaged compared to their counterparts in other regions, who will have access to the latest Apple innovations. This disparity could lead to dissatisfaction and potentially push some users towards other platforms, such as Android and Windows, which are not currently limiting AI features by region.
Moreover, Apple’s decision highlights the wider challenges that global tech companies face in adapting to varying regulatory environments. The company has expressed its commitment to working with the European Commission to find a solution that allows for the safe and compliant rollout of its features. However, the timeline for such a resolution remains uncertain.
(via Bloomberg)
