Apple Delays New Siri Rollout in EU Over Regulatory Concerns
Apple has postponed the European Union launch of its new AI-powered Siri, citing the Digital Markets Act. The company stated that iOS 17's advanced Siri features require deep system access, which EU regulations permit only if third-party alternatives can offer similar functionality. Apple is currently in an impasse with regulators, delaying the rollout for iPhone and iPad users.
Key points
- Apple will not release its new AI-powered Siri features on iPhones and iPads in the European Union simultaneously with other regions.
- The company attributes the delay directly to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which imposes "gatekeeper" requirements on large tech platforms.
- The DMA mandates that Apple allow third-party AI providers similar system access to its own for new Siri features.
- Apple claims it cannot guarantee third-party AI providers will handle user data with the same privacy safeguards it implements for Siri.
- Proposed solutions, including a 'Trusted System Agent' for data coordination, were rejected by EU regulators, leaving Apple at an impasse.
Apple has announced that its latest AI-driven Siri enhancements, part of the new iOS 17, will not be available to users in the European Union at the same time as in other global markets. The tech giant directly cited the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) as the reason for the delay.
The core issue stems from the DMA's regulations concerning "gatekeepers." Apple's new Siri features require extensive access to user data and device functionalities. Under the DMA, such deep integration can only be offered if Apple also permits third-party AI developers to access similar system capabilities. Apple stated that while it can ensure its own Siri handles data privately, it cannot guarantee the same level of privacy protection from other companies.
Despite months of negotiations with EU regulators and the development of a new data access coordination layer called 'Trusted System Agent,' Apple reports no resolution has been reached. The company indicated that these advanced Siri features, along with other updated writing tools and camera modes, will be withheld from EU iPhone and iPad users indefinitely until regulatory hurdles are cleared. The new Siri will reportedly still launch on Mac and Apple Vision Pro in the EU.
Sources
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