Apple has announced it will delay the rollout of several key iOS 26 features for users in the European Union, citing legal and privacy concerns under the region’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a bold move, the tech giant told EU officials that some features may not arrive at all.
iPhone Mirroring and More Held Back
One of the most anticipated features, iPhone mirroring on Mac, is now off the table for EU users. Additionally, Mac Live Activities and a new “Visited Places” feature in Apple Maps are also delayed. Apple’s VP of Legal, Kyle Andeer, confirmed during a recent DMA compliance workshop in Brussels that further feature rollbacks are likely.
Andeer emphasized that the DMA’s demands could compromise the security and privacy of Apple’s users. “We’ve had to delay products announced this month for our EU customers,” he said, warning that forced data access could open the door to misuse.
Apple Calls Out Meta and DMA Loopholes
Apple pointed to Meta as a prime example of how companies might exploit the DMA. The company criticized Meta’s request for broad access to user data, including photos, under the pretense of AI integration. Apple argues that while Meta’s data privacy history is questionable, the DMA still grants it leeway at Apple’s expense.
An Uneven Playing Field
Apple claims the DMA unfairly singles it out among other tech giants like Amazon and Google. While those firms are allowed to develop and retain proprietary features, Apple faces demands to share its innovations. The company has asked for clearer rules, especially on whether providing a feature like iPhone mirroring would also require supporting similar features on Android.
What’s Next?
The EU has shown little sign of reversing course. In fact, Apple is currently appealing a $570 million fine for non-compliance. Meanwhile, users in Europe are left waiting for features their global counterparts already enjoy.
While the EU champions the DMA as a win for consumers, Apple and many critics argue that it mainly benefits large corporations at the cost of innovation and user experience in the region.
