Purchase a device Apple the latest generation, such as the iPhone 16 Pro or the iPad with top chips, represent for many users in the European Union a considerable investment. However, those who have purchased the latest devices Apple, faces increasingly frustrating situations. For example, unavailability Apple Intelligence in Europe, and other features like iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay, seems to have no clear justification.
Table of Contents
Premium devices, limited experience.
Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-based features, is available on iPhone and iPad devices only outside the European Union, even if users in the EU have compatible devices and are running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS (18.1 and later versions). According to the official documentation, Apple limits access to these functions in the EU if the user has an account Apple registered in this region. On the other hand, the same features are available on macOS Sequoia 15.1, even for users in the European Union. Therefore, Apple Intelligence in Europe it can only be used on Mac.
This situation raises the question: why Apple apply restrictions on iPhone and iPad but not on Mac? In addition to this question, there is another very strange situation. Let's say that the way the new services work Apple it wouldn't be in line with European Union legislative regulations, but that doesn't justify limiting a user who chooses to install a public beta, or even less developers. For example, iOS 18.2, the developer beta, does not receive support for Apple Intelligence, for the member countries of the European Union. Basically, this policy limits a developer's right to create apps and games that use AI features.
At the same time, some large stores in the European Union use Apple Intelligence as a marketing tool to promote the iPhone 16 product. (altex.ro)
Apple Intelligence in Europe. Regulations or strategic choices?
Apple has indicated in the past that some of its limitations are imposed by strict regulations in the European Union, particularly those regarding data privacy and anti-competitive practices. However, the justification becomes problematic given that macOS, a platform that is also subject to EU law, offers access to the same restricted features on iOS and iPadOS.
However, let's look a bit into the past and see what experiences the company has had Apple with the European Union.
Fines and investigations for anti-competitive practices.
In 2021, the European Commission accused Apple of the violation of the competition rules, especially through the taxes imposed in App Store. This investigation can result in fines of up to 10% of the company's global revenue.
Complaints from developers such as Spotify and Epic Games have highlighted how Apple they protect their own ecosystem by restricting competition.
Also, the company Apple it was forced to allow installation of apps and games from outside as well App Store, for iPhone and iPad devices. This implementation was made by Apple, but with some costs, which attracted other problems. In 2023, Apple was the subject of other policy complaints App Store, including forcing small developers to use its payment system and charging high fees.
Related: You will be able to install apps on your iPhone from outside as well App Store (iOS 17.4)
Data Privacy and Use.
Absence Apple Intelligence in Europe could also be related to some privacy issues the company has had in the past.
Apple was fined 8 million euros in France in 2023 for using data without clear consent. In addition to this fine, the company Apple is the subject of investigations by data protection authorities in several EU countries (including Germany and France) for the way it collects and uses user data.
Other inquiries related to how Apple manage user data are ongoing.
Compliance with technical regulations.
Apple she was forced to adopt USB-C as the universal standard for chargers starting in 2024, which underlines the company's resistance to the rules imposed by the EU. Basically, the European Union determined the company Apple to give up the loading port Lightning on iPhones, AirPods, Magic Mouse and other.
Nor at the level of European Union countries, the company Apple he did not have very pleasant experiences. In Italy, Apple was fined €10 million in 2020 for misleading advertising about the water resistance of iPhones.
Language barriers for Apple Intelligence in Europe
Another important factor is the limited language support for Apple Intelligence in Europe. Currently, the features are only available in English (US), and will be gradually expanded to other languages. However, local language and regulations do not justify the absence of functionality on iPhone and iPad.
Supported languages: Apple Intelligence is available in English (US) in most regions around the world. In December, Apple Intelligence will add support for English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (South Africa), and English (UK). Over the course of the next year, Apple Intelligence will expand to more languages, like Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and others.
Impact on users
This situation puts EU users at a disadvantage despite the premium prices paid for the devices Apple. For example, someone who buys an iPhone 16 Pro for the promised features may find they don't have access to smart writing tools, advanced organization in apps Photos, or smart replies in Mail and Messages – features available in other regions.
Conclusion
Apple, a company recognized for innovation, risks disappointing its European users with the limitations imposed. In a region where antitrust and data protection rules are strict, EU users end up paying for devices that don't reach their full potential. It is important that Apple to clarify whether these restrictions are a consequence of European regulations or just a strategic decision aimed at protecting its ecosystem in the face of increasingly strict control by the authorities.
Beyond the problems between the European Union and Apple, the restriction Apple Intelligence in Europe does nothing but create frustrations among users and developers of applications based on this new feature.
