Apple postpones launch of new AI features in compliance with EU tech regulations
Date
6/23/2024 3:31:40 AM
(MENAFN) On Friday, Apple announced that it is postponing the launch of three new artificial intelligence (AI) features to comply with European Union (EU) technology regulations. These regulations mandate that Apple must ensure its tools are compatible with competing products and services, according to a report by a UK-based news agency.
Earlier this month, Apple showcased its advancements in artificial intelligence, unveiling a variety of new features and software enhancements for the Iphone and other devices. These efforts are aimed at boosting sales, which have been on the decline. Among the highlights was the "Apple Intelligence" feature, an AI-powered tool designed to generate text, images, and other content based on user commands. This feature is slated to be available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad, and Mac devices equipped with the M1 chip and later versions.
Another significant feature, "Phone Mirroring," is part of the Mac OS Sequoia operating system. This feature allows users to view and interact with their iPhone screens on Mac computers, enhancing the integration between Apple's devices. However, the "Phone Mirroring" feature, along with "SharePlay Screen Sharing" enhancements and "Apple Intelligence," will not be available to users in the EU this year. This decision is a direct response to the EU's Digital Markets Act, which Apple argues could jeopardize the integrity of its products by enforcing interoperability requirements.
Apple expressed its concerns regarding the Digital Markets Act, stating that these interoperability mandates might force the company to compromise on user privacy and data security. "We are specifically concerned that the Digital Markets Act’s interoperability requirements may force us to compromise the integrity of our products, putting user privacy and data security at risk," Apple said in a statement. The company also emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the European Commission to find a solution that would allow these features to be offered to EU customers without compromising their safety.
In March, the European Commission imposed a substantial fine of 1.84 billion euros (approximately USD2 billion) on Apple. This marked the first antitrust-related penalty the company faced in the EU. The fine was imposed after Apple was found to have prevented Spotify and other music applications from informing users about alternative payment options outside the Apple Store. This decision followed a complaint filed by the Swedish company Spotify in 2019, which challenged Apple’s practice of charging a 30 percent fee on transactions made through the Apple Store.
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