Apple suspends feature rollout in EU due to ‘regulatory uncertainty’ – Euractiv

Apple is pausing the rollout of three new features in the European Union, citing “regulatory uncertainty” caused by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the tech giant announced on Friday (June 21).

Two weeks ago, Apple introduced new features to its latest iOS18 operating system, including Apple Intelligence, a set of artificial intelligence-based tools and technologies, and a partnership with OpenAI that aims to integrate ChatGPT into Apple operating systems.

Three of these new features iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay screen sharing improvements and Apple Intelligence will not be rolled out in the EU.

The company is “concerned that DMA interoperability requirements” could force it to “compromise the integrity of our products in a way that compromises user privacy and data security,” an Apple representative told Euractiv on Friday.

iPhone Mirroring allows users to display their iPhone screen on another device, such as a computer or TV. SharePlay screen sharing improvements improve the ability to share screens during FaceTime calls.

The groundbreaking DMA targets digital competition by designating large platforms as gatekeepers, acting as key gateways between business users and consumers that can create bottlenecks in the digital economy.

Under the DMA, Apple’s designated gatekeeper status requires ensuring fair access and preventing practices that could stifle competition.

The Commission recognized Apple as a “gatekeeper” under the DMA for iOS and iPadOS. The spokesperson said the new features will also not be made available on macOS due to the new iPhone Mirroring feature.

“Gatekeepers can offer their services in Europe, provided they comply with our rules aimed at ensuring fair competition,” a Commission spokesman told Euractiv.

The DMA and its processes are “quite flexible” and “can be updated as needed,” Commission spokeswoman Lea Zubler said at a Tuesday (June 11) press conference when asked by Euractiv about potential scrutiny of the Apple-OpenAI integration.

The iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Enhanced Screen Sharing betas will still be available on Monday (June 24), and according to Apple Intelligence, the Apple Intelligence beta will arrive later this summer.

EU regulations vs. Apple

Apple’s relationship with the EU’s DMA has been rocky.

To comply with the DMA, Apple made changes to its App Store, including modifying its rules and fee structures to create a fairer environment for developers, which was met with much criticism.

There was a conflict over the regulation with Epic Games, which led to a legal battle over App Store practices. Ultimately, Apple allowed Epic Games to re-introduce Fortnite and the game store to iOS devices in Europe.

In March, the Commission also fined Apple €1.8 billion, alleging that the tech giant abused its dominant position by exclusively distributing music streaming apps to iPhone and iPad users through the App Store.

(Edited by Alice Taylor)

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