Apple has decided to delay the release of several new features, including Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and SharePlay Screen Sharing, in the European Union due to concerns about the stringent requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to multiple press reports.

Apple Intelligence represents a significant advancement in artificial intelligence capabilities for Apple devices. Described as a suite of "highly capable" large language and diffusion models, Apple Intelligence includes an on-device semantic index that works across apps to identify data and feed it into these models.

This upgrade impacts the Siri voice assistant and enhances other functionalities, as reported by CNBC. The new features affected by this decision include iPhone Mirroring, which allows users to view and control their iPhones directly from their Macs, and SharePlay Screen Sharing, which enables FaceTime users to take control of another's device during a conversation.

Fred Sainz, Apple’s senior director of corporate communications, explained to The Verge, “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.”

The Digital Markets Act, which came into effect in May 2023, imposes stringent rules on "gatekeepers"—companies with significant influence in their markets. Besides Apple, the EU has identified Alphabet, Amazon, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft as gatekeepers. These corporations manage 22 "core platform services," subjecting them to the DMA’s regulations.

The rules require these gatekeepers to ensure fair interactions with third parties, give users control over their data, and allow businesses to verify advertising on their platforms, among other mandates. Violations can result in penalties up to 10% of the company's global annual turnover, or up to 20% for repeated offenses. Apple is already under investigation for its business practices within the EU.

With 27 member states and a population of approximately 448.4 million, the EU represents a significant market for Apple and other tech giants. However, the strict regulatory environment under the DMA has prompted Apple to hold back on introducing features that could potentially compromise user privacy and data security.

This decision means hundreds of millions of European users will be denied access to the latest AI-driven features from Apple, highlighting the tension between technological innovation and regulatory compliance. As Apple navigates these regulations, the rollout of new capabilities in one of its largest markets remains uncertain.