Apple users in the EU are missing out on key AI features due to regulatory hurdles

Apple users in the EU will lose several long-awaited features in the upcoming versions of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia due to conflicts with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This could have significant consequences for both Apple and its European user base.

These missing features, including Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring to Mac, and improved SharePlay screen sharing, were some of the most exciting announcements from Apple’s WWDC developer conference. Their absence is a major disappointment for users in the EU, especially given the potential impact of Apple Intelligence – the company’s ambitious artificial intelligence initiative promising a more unified user experience across all Apple devices.

While Apple cited privacy and security concerns around DMA as the reason for pausing these features, specific details remain unclear. This lack of transparency raises questions about the extent of the conflict between Apple’s technology and the EU’s regulatory framework.

The situation poses a significant challenge for Apple, highlighting its difficulties in dealing with increasingly stringent regulations in key markets. Apple may need to re-evaluate its development strategies to ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining a globally consistent user experience. For EU users, this raises concerns that they will be left behind in access to the latest innovations, potentially creating a disconnect between them and users in other regions.

The future availability of these features in the EU remains uncertain pending potential resolutions between Apple and regulators. Both sides are likely to monitor this situation closely in the coming months as it could set a precedent for how tech companies navigate the regulatory environment in different regions.