EU’s Digital Markets Act Stalls Apple’s AI Feature Release

News Desk

Islamabad: Apple announced on Friday that it would postpone the launch of its recently introduced AI features in Europe due to “regulatory uncertainties” stemming from the EU’s new significant legislation aimed at limiting the influence of large technology companies.

A spokesperson for Apple, the maker of iPhones, cited the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and stated that “we do not expect to be able to introduce these features to our EU users this year.”

Earlier this month, Apple unveiled “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of AI features for its highly sought-after devices, emphasizing its commitment to keeping pace with advancements in AI.

The unveiling included a collaboration with OpenAI to make ChatGPT accessible to iPhone users upon request.

Apple clarified that the feature, along with enhancements like iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing, was postponed due to concerns “that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could compel us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that jeopardize user privacy and data security.”

Apple Intelligence, which operates exclusively on the company’s proprietary technology, will allow users to create emojis based on textual descriptions and generate concise summaries of emails.

“We are dedicated to working with the European Commission to explore solutions that would enable us to deliver these features to our EU customers without compromising their security,” the company added.

In a bid to promote fair competition in Europe, the DMA outlines specific guidelines for designated internet gatekeepers, including Apple.

“The EU is a market of 450 million potential users and has always welcomed companies wishing to offer services in its internal market,” noted an EU spokesperson.

“Gatekeepers are encouraged to provide their services in Europe, provided they comply with our rules aimed at ensuring fair competition,” the EU emphasized.

Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s competition chief, recently criticized Apple for allegedly failing to comply with the DMA as the bloc investigates Apple’s business practices.

“We have identified several issues with Apple, which I consider very serious. I was surprised by the suspicions that Apple may not be complying,” Vestager told CNBC.

Her remarks followed a report in the Financial Times indicating that Apple was likely to face charges related to the investigation, citing sources close to the matter.

Under the DMA, the European Commission has the authority to investigate, impose fines, and enforce structural remedies on non-compliant gatekeepers.

Penalties can amount to up to 10 percent of a company’s global annual turnover, with repeated violations potentially resulting in fines up to 20 percent.