Image Source: The Indian Express
Apple has announced a delay in launching three new artificial intelligence features in Europe, citing compliance issues with European Union competition rules. These features—Phone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence—were scheduled to debut in the US this fall but will now not reach European users until 2025 due to regulatory uncertainties stemming from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
According to Apple, the DMA’s interoperability requirements could potentially compromise the security and integrity of its devices, which the company asserts would risk user privacy and data security. This concern echoes previous debates between Apple and EU officials regarding the balance between regulatory compliance and maintaining the security standards of its products.
The European Commission responded by stating that Apple is welcome to operate within the EU as long as it adheres to local laws. The company’s newly unveiled Apple Intelligence suite, showcased at its developer conference, integrates advanced AI capabilities such as ChatGPT and Siri for tasks like web searches and generating content. These features, set to debut alongside the next version of Apple’s mobile operating system, will be accessible on select devices including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and newer iPad and Mac models equipped with the M1 chip or later.
Apple emphasized its commitment to finding a solution with the European Commission that would enable it to deliver these AI features to EU customers without compromising their safety. CEO Tim Cook previously assured users that these AI innovations are designed with privacy as a priority, leveraging personal context such as routines, relationships, and communications while safeguarding user data.
As Apple navigates these regulatory challenges, the delay underscores the complexities of global tech compliance and the company’s efforts to balance innovation with legal obligations in different markets.
