Apple Inc. has announced that several anticipated features in its upcoming iOS 26 update will not be available to users in the European Union (EU) at launch. This decision is primarily influenced by the complexities associated with complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulatory framework designed to promote fair competition and curb the dominance of major tech companies.
Key Features Affected
One notable feature affected by this delay is the visited places functionality in Apple Maps. This feature is designed to track and record locations that users have visited, enhancing the personalization and utility of the Maps application. However, due to concerns about meeting the DMA’s stringent requirements, Apple has decided to withhold this feature from the EU release of iOS 26.
In addition to visited places, other features such as iPhone Mirroring and enhancements to SharePlay Screen Sharing are also being delayed in the EU. iPhone Mirroring allows users to replicate their iPhone’s display on a Mac, facilitating seamless interaction between devices. SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements aim to improve collaborative experiences by enabling users to share their screens more effectively during FaceTime calls. The postponement of these features underscores Apple’s cautious approach to navigating the regulatory landscape imposed by the DMA.
Apple’s Position on the Digital Markets Act
During a workshop with EU officials and developers in Brussels, Kyle Andeer, Apple’s Vice President of Legal, expressed the company’s concerns regarding the DMA. He highlighted that the act’s requirements could potentially compromise user security by necessitating increased interoperability with third-party devices and services. Andeer stated, We’ve already had to make the decision to delay the release of products and features we announced this month for our EU customers. He further emphasized that opening Apple’s ecosystem to competitors, as mandated by the DMA, could introduce privacy, security, and safety risks to users.
Apple has consistently argued that the DMA complicates software development processes and may degrade the quality of its products. The company maintains that while it is committed to complying with regulatory requirements, it must also prioritize the security and privacy of its users. This stance has led to a cautious approach in rolling out new features within the EU, as Apple seeks to fully understand and address the implications of the DMA.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
This is not the first instance where Apple has delayed feature rollouts in the EU due to regulatory concerns. In the previous year, the company postponed the release of Apple Intelligence and iPhone Mirroring for Mac in the region. These delays reflect the ongoing tension between Apple’s product development strategies and the EU’s regulatory objectives.
The DMA aims to ensure that large tech companies, designated as gatekeepers, do not abuse their market positions to stifle competition. For Apple, this means adhering to rules that may require it to open its platforms to third-party developers and services, a move that the company believes could undermine the integrity of its ecosystem.
Implications for EU Users
For users in the European Union, these delays mean that they will not have immediate access to some of the innovative features introduced in iOS 26. While Apple has not provided a specific timeline for when these features will become available, the company has indicated that it is working diligently to resolve compliance issues. The goal is to eventually bring these features to the EU market without compromising user security or violating regulatory mandates.
Looking Ahead
Apple’s cautious approach highlights the broader challenges tech companies face when operating in multiple regulatory environments. As the company continues to navigate the complexities of the DMA, it remains to be seen how quickly it can adapt its offerings to meet both regulatory requirements and user expectations in the European Union.
