Apple announced it will delay the launch of three new artificial intelligence features in the European Union, citing compliance concerns with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The features affected are Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and SharePlay Screen Sharing.
The DMA, which came into effect in May 2023, imposes strict regulations on “gatekeeper” companies like Apple to mandate interoperability with rival products and services. Apple expressed concerns that complying with these rules could compromise user privacy and data security
Apple Intelligence, introduced earlier this month, leverages AI to generate text, images, and other content on command. It will be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and devices with the M1 chip or later. Features like iPhone Mirroring on MacOS Sequoia enable users to view and interact with their iPhone screens on Mac computers.
Apple’s statement aimed at a solution that offers features without endangering their users. These regulatory uncertainties are mainly due to the processes between the company and the European Commission.
The European Union’s Compliance with the DMA avoids penalties that can reach up to 20% of the company’s global annual turnover for repeated offences.
Apple maintained DMA’s interoperability obligations, which could compromise the reliability of its products. Management and the board reaffirmed the protection of privacy and data as firmly established principles that cannot be violated. While these features will launch in the fall in the US, European users will have to wait until 2025.
Also Read: Apple Integrates ChatGPT in No-Cash Deal with OpenAI
