Apple May Delay AI Features in the EU Due to Big Tech Law

Apple has indicated that its upcoming features, including the Apple Intelligence generative AI tools, iPhone mirroring, and SharePlay screen sharing, might not be available in the European Union this year. This delay, as reported by Bloomberg, is attributed to the regulatory constraints imposed by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The Digital Markets Act and Its Implications

The Digital Markets Act is a legislative framework designed to prevent anti-competitive practices by major tech companies that control significant online platforms. This law mandates these "gatekeepers" to ensure interoperability with third-party services, aiming to promote fair competition. However, this requirement has raised concerns among tech giants like Apple and Meta, who fear potential compromises to their platforms' security and privacy.

Apple's Statement on the Delay

Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz provided a statement to The Verge, highlighting the company’s position:

EU’s Response to Apple’s Concerns

Responding to Apple’s statement, EU spokesperson Thomas Regnier emphasized the EU’s openness to business while maintaining the importance of fair competition:

Specific Features Affected

The features in question include significant upgrades and functionalities:

• Apple Intelligence: Enhancements to Siri, Genmoji, notification management, scripted actions across different apps, text generation, and summaries.

• iPhone Mirroring: A feature allowing seamless mirroring of iPhone screens to other devices.

• SharePlay Screen Sharing: Enhancements to Apple’s SharePlay feature, enabling improved screen sharing capabilities.

Looking Ahead

Despite these regulatory challenges, Sainz reiterated that Apple Intelligence will still be available for beta testing this summer. Additionally, the iPhone mirroring and expanded SharePlay screen sharing features will roll out in a developer beta on Monday.

Conclusion

Apple’s potential delay in rolling out key features in the EU underscores the complex interplay between innovation and regulation in the tech industry. While the Digital Markets Act aims to foster fair competition, it also presents significant compliance challenges for tech companies. Apple's commitment to working with the European Commission suggests ongoing negotiations to balance regulatory requirements with the company’s dedication to user privacy and security.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for the latest updates on this evolving story and other significant developments in the tech world.