Apple is likely to delay the release of its new AI features in Europe this year due to regulatory concerns. The company announced that it does “not believe” it will roll out Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and SharePlay Screen Sharing to EU users in 2023, citing the uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The DMA, which regulates large digital platforms to ensure fairness and competition in the EU market, imposes several “do’s” and “don’ts” on “gatekeepers,” or large platforms offering digital services. One key provision is that these platforms cannot use collected data from third parties to compete with them.
Apple expressed concerns that complying with the DMA could impact user privacy and security. “Specifically, we are concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security,” an Apple spokesperson said in a statement shared with Quartz. Apple emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the European Commission to find a solution that would allow the company to deliver these features without compromising user safety.
While Apple Intelligence will be available later this summer for beta testers who have their Siri language set to U.S. English, the situation in Europe remains uncertain.
In China, Apple is seeking a partner to help roll out its AI features in its second-largest iPhone market. Apple is integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its newest operating systems, but ChatGPT and other foreign AI models are not available in China. Apple has reportedly discussed deals with Chinese AI developers, including Baidu, Alibaba, and Beijing-based startup Baichuan AI.
The Cyberspace Administration of China requires AI models to undergo a “security assessment” and ensure that content generated by chatbots reflects core socialist values and avoids subversion of state power. As of March, the CAC had approved 117 generative AI models, all developed within China, according to the Wall Street Journal.
