Apple has delayed its launch of Apple Intelligence AI in the EU citing concerns about security and privacy when complying with Digital Markets Act.
Apple’s latest AI move raised multiple questions. Why has Apple delayed the launch of Apple Intelligence on such a large scale, are their privacy and security concerns valid? And what else could have prompted this decision?
What happened?
Bloomberg announced on June 21 that Apple would delay the EU release of its iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing features, as well as Apple Intelligence AI until 2025. Apple explains that the DMA’s interoperability requirements would compromise iPhone security and privacy.
The AI features, which are available on the iPhone 15 as well as new devices that will be launched in a few weeks, will still be released in the US in the Fall. Apple stated that it was concerned that the DMA’s interoperability requirements could force them to compromise their products in a way that would compromise user privacy and data protection.
It’s a familiar sound
Does this sound familiar? It’s true. Apple complained earlier this year that the EU DMA regulations which stipulated that it had to open up its App Store to sideloading were a threat to privacy and security. Apple also disabled Progressive Web Apps in the EU, a move that developers complained against. The EU said that Apple’s handling of PWAs didn’t violate DMA rules. This led Apple to reverse its decision.
Why did Apple pull its AI features in the EU?
Apple claims that interoperability between iPhones and other products could put iPhone users in danger. Tommy Mysk, a security researcher, says that Apple’s concerns over the DMA’s interoperability regulations “seem legitimate”. Apple Intelligence will favor Apple products, it is obvious. It’s expected that it will be more integrated with Apple Music, for instance.”
Mysk warns that there is a danger that the DMA could force Apple to allow similar integrations for other music services such as Spotify. This could lead to risks, as Apple loses control of security when it hands responsibility over to another firm.
The same is true for iPhone Mirroring. Mysk says that the DMA could force Apple to support Windows. It could say that iPhone users who use Windows also should be able use iPhone Mirroring on PCs.
What About Data Protection Regulations?
Other tech giants, including Meta, and Google, have delayed the launch their AI offerings in Europe because the GDPR data protection regulation does not allow for the level of functionality that they require. The EU’s strict data protection regulations could be breached if AI modes require a large amount of data. Apple’s AI product would be subject to the same scrutiny?
The iPhone maker has highlighted the privacy and security credentials in its AI offering. It says its private cloud computing (PCC) model is unique.
Musk says that AI tools are still “tricky” in terms of data privacy. Mysk says that since Google and X had delayed the launch of AI tools in Europe, it was expected Apple would be cautious as well. “Generative AI requires data for training, as well as acquiring additional data from users for training.” The GDPR will ask many questions about it, especially the right to forget.”
Apple has partnered up with OpenAI for ChatGPT on iPhones. This has raised concerns about data security.
I have contacted Apple to get a comment. This article will be updated if Apple responds.
Many people will be disappointed by the delay, especially EU users who want their iPhones upgraded to take advantage the new features. Apple will make sure that they can access these new features, but it must also ensure that its security and privacy is better than its competitors. Apple claims that this is its unique selling point and promise in AI.