Apple users in the EU are in for a disappointment as several key features announced at WWDC will be missing from the upcoming iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia releases this fall. Apple has blamed regulatory hurdles related to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for withholding features like Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring to Mac, and SharePlay screen sharing.
This could be detrimental towards both people in the EU and Apple itself
This is a significant blow for EU users considering these features were among the most anticipated upgrades unveiled at the developer conference. Apple Intelligence, for instance, is the company’s flagship AI initiative, promising a more integrated user experience across Apple devices. iPhone Mirroring would have allowed seamless remote access to iPhones from Macs, while SharePlay screen sharing enhancements aimed to improve collaboration functionalities.
The specific reasons behind the DMA causing these issues remain unclear. The company claims it could jeopardize “privacy and security,” but the details are yet to be revealed.
This situation could be a significant development for both Apple and its customers in the EU. For Apple, it highlights the potential challenges posed by stricter regulations in key markets. The company may need to adapt its development strategies to comply with regional rules while maintaining a consistent user experience globally. For EU customers, it raises concerns about feature parity and access to the latest innovations. The lack of these features could leave them at a disadvantage compared to users in other regions.
Whether Apple finds a solution to appease regulators and offer these features in the EU remains to be seen. This situation will likely be closely monitored by both Apple and its customers in the coming months.
(Via)
