Apple announced potential delays for some upcoming features in the European Union (EU) due to concerns around a new law, the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These features include the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence suite with its AI-powered tools, iPhone mirroring functionality, and enhancements for SharePlay screen sharing. While these features are expected to launch globally in September, Apple says EU users might have to wait.

The reason for the delay, according to Apple, is the DMA’s strict regulations on “gatekeepers” – large tech companies that control major online platforms. The DMA aims to prevent anti-competitive practices by these gatekeepers. Both Apple and Meta have been rumored to be facing potential charges for violating the DMA.

Apple specifically expresses concern over a DMA requirement that mandates gatekeepers allow third-party services to work seamlessly with their own. Apple argues that complying with this interoperability requirement could force them to compromise the security and privacy of their products.

Here’s a statement from Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz:

“We unveiled a range of exciting new features recently, and we’re eager to bring them to all our users globally. However, uncertainties around the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) make it unlikely that we’ll be able to launch three specific features – iPhone mirroring, SharePlay screen sharing improvements, and Apple Intelligence – to EU users this year. We’re particularly concerned that the DMA’s interoperability rules could potentially force us to make compromises that put user privacy and data security at risk. We remain committed to working with the European Commission to find a solution that allows us to offer these features to our EU customers without jeopardizing their safety.”

The EU, however, has a different perspective. In response to Apple’s statement, EU spokesperson Thomas Regnier highlighted the vast European market and its openness to businesses that comply with fair competition regulations.

“The EU offers a significant market with 450 million potential users, and we’ve always been welcoming to companies that want to operate within our internal market. Gatekeepers are free to offer their services in Europe, as long as they adhere to our rules designed to ensure a level playing field.”

The exact nature of Apple’s concerns regarding the DMA remains unclear. Apple Intelligence, for instance, encompasses various functionalities – enhanced Siri capabilities, Genmoji creation, notification management, automated actions across apps, and tools for text generation and summarization.

Sainz confirmed that Apple Intelligence will be available for beta testing this summer, while iPhone mirroring and the expanded SharePlay features will be included in a developer beta launching on Monday.

It remains to be seen how this situation unfolds. Apple’s concerns highlight potential challenges for tech giants adapting to the new regulations in the EU. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Apple and the EU can find a solution that addresses both user privacy and fair competition in the digital market.