Apple reportedly mentioned 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 12 months, in line with Bloomberg, which reported the information.
“We’re involved that the interoperability necessities of the DMA might pressure us to compromise the integrity of our merchandise in ways in which threat consumer privateness and knowledge safety,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement to Bloomberg. Apple didn’t increase on how DMA laws might pressure it to compromise consumer 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 laws — with out providing a lot in the best way of specifics — for blocking EU customers from having good issues. Earlier this 12 months, the corporate mentioned it could remove the ability to add home screen web apps in Europe on account of DMA guidelines. It later reversed course, citing “requests” it acquired. Google did one thing related when it removed third-party apps and watch faces from European units, blaming “new regulatory necessities.”
Apple’s delay comes when EU laws 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 12 months for stopping app builders from informing iOS customers about cheaper music subscription plans outdoors of the corporate’s ecosystem.
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