EU Clarifies That Apple Made Its Own Decision to Withhold Siri AI Features from European Users
The European Union has firmly pushed back against any suggestion that regulatory obstacles are preventing Apple from launching its advanced Siri AI features in Europe. In a significant clarification that highlights the ongoing tension between major technology companies and European regulators, EU officials stated that the decision not to roll out the enhanced Siri capabilities with iOS 27 was made entirely by Apple itself, not mandated by any European legislation or regulatory requirement.
Following the announcement of iOS 27, Apple’s latest mobile operating system, European users discovered they would be excluded from accessing the new artificial intelligence-powered Siri features that will be available to users in other markets, including the United States. This marks the second consecutive year that Apple has chosen to limit AI functionality in the European market, following similar restrictions with iOS 18’s Apple Intelligence features. The company has not provided detailed explanations for the regional limitations, leading to speculation about regulatory concerns.
The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, has been quick to clarify the situation. EU officials emphasized that no provision within the Digital Markets Act (DMA) or any other European regulation specifically prohibits Apple from deploying its AI assistant features within the bloc. The DMA, which came into full effect in March 2024, designates Apple as a “gatekeeper” company and imposes specific obligations regarding fair competition, interoperability, and user choice. However, regulators insist these requirements do not prevent the deployment of AI services.
The Digital Markets Act represents one of the most ambitious pieces of technology regulation ever implemented, designed to curb the dominance of major tech platforms and ensure fair competition in digital markets. Under the DMA, designated gatekeepers must allow users to choose alternative default applications, enable third-party app stores, and refrain from favoring their own services over competitors. Apple has already made significant changes to comply with these requirements, including allowing alternative browser engines and payment systems in the EU. However, the company has consistently expressed concerns about how these regulations might impact user privacy and security.
Industry analysts suggest that Apple’s reluctance to launch Siri AI in Europe may stem from the company’s interpretation of how AI-generated content and data processing might intersect with both the DMA and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR, implemented in 2018, establishes strict requirements for how companies collect, process, and store personal data of EU residents. Advanced AI assistants like the enhanced Siri typically require significant data processing to function effectively, potentially creating compliance complexities that Apple may prefer to avoid rather than navigate.
This situation reflects a broader pattern of technology companies limiting feature availability in Europe due to regulatory considerations. Meta previously threatened to withhold its AI features from European users, and Google has faced similar decisions regarding certain services. Critics argue that these companies are using regulatory concerns as leverage in ongoing disputes with European authorities, while supporters of the tech firms contend that the complex European regulatory landscape creates genuine uncertainty about compliance. The European Commission has repeatedly stated it welcomes AI innovation and that its regulations are designed to ensure responsible deployment, not to block technological advancement.
Consumer advocacy groups in Europe have expressed frustration with Apple’s decision, arguing that European users are being treated as second-class customers despite paying similar or often higher prices for Apple products. Some have called for greater transparency from Apple regarding the specific concerns preventing the Siri AI launch. Meanwhile, competition regulators are watching closely to ensure that any feature limitations are not being used strategically to pressure regulatory changes or gain competitive advantages in ongoing legal disputes.
The standoff between Apple and EU regulators shows no signs of immediate resolution. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to smartphone functionality, the question of how AI services will operate within European regulatory frameworks remains critical. The European Commission has indicated it remains open to dialogue with Apple and other technology companies to address any legitimate compliance concerns while ensuring European consumers have access to the latest technological innovations. For now, millions of European iPhone users will have to wait indefinitely while their counterparts in other regions experience the next generation of AI-assisted mobile computing.