Apple has announced a delay in the European launch of its new AI-powered features, attributing the postponement to the stringent requirements of the European Union’s tech regulations.
The U.S. tech giant revealed its decision on Friday, emphasizing that the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) necessitates ensuring that competitor products and services can seamlessly interact with Apple devices. This regulatory compliance is cited as the primary reason for the delay.
Earlier this month, Apple had showcased a range of new AI features and software upgrades aimed at enhancing the functionality of its iPhones and other devices. This move was part of Apple’s strategy to boost its sales.
The AI-driven capabilities, known as Apple Intelligence, include tools for generating text, images, and other content. These features were slated for release on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and devices equipped with the M1 chip and subsequent versions. Among these innovations is the iPhone Mirroring feature on MacOS Sequoia, which allows users to view and interact with their phone’s screen on Mac computers.
However, Apple stated that the rollout of three specific features—Phone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence—will be postponed for European users. The company cited regulatory uncertainties stemming from the DMA as the reason for this delay.
“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 expressed in an email statement. “We are committed to collaborating with the European Commission to find a solution that would enable us to deliver these features to our EU customers without compromising their safety.”
