Apple says it’s having to delay bringing some product features to Europe because it’s struggling to make them compliant with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a statement published on Wednesday, Apple said that DMA rules have created “more complexity and more risks for our EU users,” blaming the obligation to open Apple features to third-party devices for the delays.
Features impacted include AI-powered Live Translation for AirPods, iPhone Mirroring, and Visited Places and Preferred Routes on Apple Maps. While interoperability requirements under the DMA specify that companies make proprietary apps and device features available on third-party hardware, Apple says it hasn’t found a way to make these features available on non-Apple devices without compromising users’ data security and privacy.
DMA requirements to make it easier to pair, transfer data, and display notifications between iPhones and third-party devices are bearing some fruit, however. The latest iOS 26.1 beta suggests that a “notification forwarding” feature will allow iPhone notifications to surface on non-Apple devices, such as smartwatch competitors to the Apple Watch. The beta also includes references to a feature that will make it easier to pair iPhones with third-party accessories.
Despite its ongoing opposition to the DMA, Apple insists that it’s “spending thousands of hours” to be compliant with the law’s requirements, and that the “list of delayed features in the EU will probably get longer” due to these impediments. The EU has given Apple until the end of this year to open up most of these features if it makes them available to European users, or risk facing additional fines under the DMA. The company was hit with a $580 million penalty in April after the App Store violated anti-steering requirements under the rulebook.Â
The iPhone maker has called for the DMA regulation to be repealed “while a more appropriate fit for purpose legislative instrument is put in place,” according to a feedback submission seen by the Financial Times.Â
While Apple’s concerns around user security may hold merit, the company is also motivated to see the DMA scrapped to prevent the legislation from tearing down the walled garden that incentivizes consumers to stay in its product ecosystem. Denying Europeans access to features over DMA compliance concerns may help Apple keep its user base on-side in its argument with the EU.
It’s interesting to see how regulatory challenges can impact product launches. It will be curious to follow how this situation develops and what it means for consumers in Europe. Thanks for sharing this update!
see how Apple adapts its strategies in response to these hurdles. Delays might push them to prioritize certain features that align better with local regulations, potentially reshaping their product offerings in Europe. It’ll be fascinating to watch how this unfolds!
You’re right; it will be interesting to see how Apple prioritizes features as they navigate these challenges. These delays could also lead to innovative solutions tailored specifically for the European market, which could ultimately benefit consumers.
Absolutely! It’s crucial for Apple to balance compliance with innovation. It’ll be fascinating to see if they adapt their approach to meet regulatory standards while still delivering the user experience their customers expect.
how these delays might affect customer satisfaction in Europe. Consumers often have high expectations for new features, and this could impact their loyalty to the brand. It’s definitely a delicate balance for Apple to manage.
That’s a valid point! High expectations can definitely lead to disappointment when delays occur. It might also impact brand loyalty in the long run if customers feel they’re missing out compared to other regions.
You’re absolutely right! It’s interesting to consider how regulatory challenges can impact not just Apple, but the entire tech industry in Europe. It might push companies to rethink their strategies for launching new features globally.