Brussels, 21 June (BNA): Apple Inc. announced on Friday the postponement of three new artificial intelligence (AI) features in compliance with European Union technology regulations, which require ensuring products and services can operate using competitors’ tools.
Apple highlighted its efforts in AI this month by showcasing a range of new features and software enhancements for iPhone and other devices to bolster declining sales.
The company stated that Apple Intelligence, which uses AI to generate texts, images, and other content based on prompts, will be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad with M1 chip, and newer versions. The Phone Mirroring feature in macOS Monterey allows viewing and interacting with the phone screen on Mac computers.
Apple noted that Phone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing, and Apple Intelligence will not be rolled out to users in the European Union this year due to the Digital Markets Act in the European Union.
Apple mentioned in an email, “We are specifically concerned that the interoperability requirements of the Digital Markets Act may force us to compromise the safety of our products, jeopardizing user privacy and data security.”
The email further stated, “We are committed to collaborating with the European Commission to find a solution that allows us to deliver these features to our customers in the European Union without compromising their safety.”
In March last year, the European Commission imposed a €1.84 billion (USD 2 billion) fine on Apple, its first antitrust penalty in the European Union.
The penalty stemmed from Apple’s restriction preventing Spotify and other music apps from informing users about different payment options outside the Apple Store.
The Commission’s decision was in response to a complaint filed by Swedish Spotify in 2019 against this practice and the 30% fees imposed by the Apple Store.
M.A.