Apple said on Friday it was delaying the rollout of some recently announced AI features in Europe due to “regulatory uncertainty.”
An Apple spokesman cited concerns about the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a landmark European Union law aimed at curbing the power of big tech companies, as the reason for the delay.
“We do not expect to be able to make these features available to EU users this year,” the spokesperson said.
Earlier this month, the company unveiled “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of AI features for its popular devices.
The announcement appeared to be an attempt to reassure users that Apple is not lagging behind in the AI boom. The announcement also included a partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to iPhone users.
Apple’s new AI feature allows users to decide whether to allow their device to use ChatGPT to perform certain tasks. Image: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/picture alliance
Why is Apple slowing down its AI rollout in Europe?
According to Apple, the AI features were withheld due to concerns that “DMA’s interoperability requirements could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that put user privacy and data security at risk.”
“We are committed to working with the European Commission to find a solution that allows us to provide these capabilities without compromising the safety of our EU customers,” the company added.
Apple is also delaying the release of iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay screen sharing enhancements in Europe.
Powered entirely by the company’s proprietary technology, Apple Intelligence will enable users to create custom emoji based on descriptions of everyday language and generate quick summaries of emails in their inbox.
What is DMA?
As part of efforts to establish fair competition in Europe, the EU’s Digital Markets Act lays out a list of dos and don’ts for designated internet gatekeepers, including Apple.
The DMA allows the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, to investigate, fine and impose structural remedies on gatekeepers that don’t comply with the rules.
Fines could amount to up to 10% of annual global turnover, with repeat offenders facing fines of up to 20%.
Margrethe Vestager, the European Union’s competition chief, warned on Tuesday that Apple was not complying with the DMA amid an EU investigation into the company’s business practices.
dh/fb (AFP, Reuters)
