Apple will reportedly withhold new AI options in Europe as a result of rules

Apple reportedly stated on Friday that it could delay iOS 18’s marquee AI features within the European Union, conveniently blaming Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. The corporate claimed it could block the launch of Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring on the Mac and SharePlay Display Sharing within the EU this yr, in line with Bloomberg, which reported the information.

“We’re involved that the interoperability necessities of the DMA may drive us to compromise the integrity of our merchandise in ways in which threat person privateness and knowledge safety,” the corporate stated in a press release to Bloomberg. Apple didn’t broaden on how DMA rules may drive it to compromise person privateness and safety.

The DMA, which handed in 2022, tries to usher in honest competitors by reining in what Big Tech companies can do to stifle competitors. It blocks them from pushing out smaller rivals, favoring their very own companies over these of rivals, locking prospects’ knowledge into their platform and limiting transparency about their use of promoting knowledge.

This isn’t the primary time Apple has pinned blame on rules — with out providing a lot in the best way of specifics — for blocking EU customers from having good issues. Earlier this yr, the corporate stated it could remove the ability to add home screen web apps in Europe as a result of DMA guidelines. It later reversed course, citing “requests” it obtained. Google did one thing comparable when it removed third-party apps and watch faces from European units, blaming “new regulatory necessities.”

Apple’s delay comes when EU rules current a thorn within the firm’s facet. The European Fee formally opened an investigation into the company in March and reportedly plans to cost it within the coming weeks for DMA violations. The corporate was already fined €1.8 billion ($1.95 billion) earlier this yr for stopping app builders from informing iOS customers about cheaper music subscription plans exterior of the corporate’s ecosystem.