Apple might hold back new AI features in Europe because of regulations

Apple has hit pause on releasing some of iOS 18’s cool AI features in the EU, all thanks to those pesky Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. The company decided to hold off on launching Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring on the Mac, and SharePlay Screen Sharing in the EU this year. According to Bloomberg, Apple is pointing the finger at DMA regulations, claiming they could force compromises on user privacy and data security.

What’s the DMA all about, you ask? Well, it’s a set of rules passed in 2022 to level the playing field and stop Big Tech from squashing the competition. It aims to prevent the big guns from favoring their services over smaller rivals, locking users into their platform, and being shady about how they use advertising data.

But wait, this isn’t the first time Apple has blamed regulations for holding back the fun stuff in the EU. They previously axed the ability to add home screen web apps in Europe due to DMA rules, only to backtrack later on due to “requests.” Google also played the blame game by removing third-party apps and watch faces from European devices, citing “new regulatory requirements.”

As if that wasn’t enough drama, the European Commission is giving Apple a hard time. They’re investigating the company for potential DMA violations and could be slapping them with charges in the coming weeks. And let’s not forget the hefty €1.8 billion fine Apple got earlier this year for blocking app developers from offering cheaper music subscriptions outside of their ecosystem. Ouch!