Apple Postpones the Launch of Apple Intelligence in the EU
Date: 2024-06-25 Author: Gabriel Deangelo Categories: IN WORLD
Apple has decided to delay the launch of its new AI product Apple Intelligence in the European Union until the end of 2024. The delay is due to "regulatory uncertainty" related to new EU rules. CNBC reports this.
Problems with Normative Certainty
Apple has found it difficult to comply with new EU regulations known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These rules are aimed at ensuring competition and preventing monopolies from big tech companies such as Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft and ByteDance. Due to this, Apple has decided to temporarily pause the launch of not only Apple Intelligence, but also other features such as iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay for users in the EU.
iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Features
iPhone Mirroring allows users to see and control their smartphone screen on Mac. SharePlay provides the ability to share the screen of your iPad or iPhone to another device, synchronizing the viewing of media files, movies and TV shows while talking with friends, family and colleagues. However, due to DMA requirements, Apple is concerned that these features could compromise the integrity of products and pose a threat to user privacy and data security.
The DMA, passed in 2023, is intended to combat the monopoly of big tech companies. Regulators say these giants are preventing smaller firms from competing on a level playing field. Among the main requirements of DMA:
- Basic functions of gadgets must work on competing ecosystems and devices.
- Large companies are prohibited from giving preference to their products over those of competitors.
- It is prohibited to combine personal data from different services and use information from third-party sellers in competition.
- Users should be able to download applications from competing platforms.
Apple's reaction
Apple said it will work with European authorities to find a solution to provide these features to EU customers without compromising their security. The company emphasizes that protecting the privacy and security of user data remains a priority.
In June, Apple announced the integration of ChatGPT into its devices and a major AI initiative called Apple Intelligence. However, due to new rules, the software will not be available to users in the 27 EU countries, but will be available in other jurisdictions and only on some devices that support American English.
Negotiations with Other Companies
Apple is also in talks with Meta about potential AI partnerships and is discussing collaborations with other major developers, including Google, Anthropic and Perplexity. These moves demonstrate the company's commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological innovation despite regulatory challenges.
Apple's decision to delay the launch of Apple Intelligence and other features in the EU underscores the difficulty of operating big tech companies in a highly regulated environment. However, working with regulators and other tech giants can help Apple balance innovation and compliance while ensuring the security and privacy of user data.
