Apple has announced that it will delay or not release certain new features in the EU. The reason for this is due to regulatory requirements, specifically the European Union's Digital Markets Act. For users, this means that anyone living in the EU will have to do without some new features in the next major iOS update. Apple feels compelled to take this step, warning of security risks and sharply criticizing the EU law. You can find out exactly what's behind it here.
If you live in the EU and use an iPhone, you won't be able to get some new iOS features as planned. Apple is deliberately delaying the introduction of certain features – and is giving clear reasons for this. This concerns legal requirements from Brussels with which Apple disagrees. The debate concerns both technical and legal aspects and has a direct impact on you as a user.
Apple confirms delays in iOS features
During a workshop with EU representatives and developers in Brussels, Apple confirmed that new products and features will not be launched in the EU as planned. Kyle Andeer, Apple's Vice President of Legal, stated that it is becoming increasingly difficult to implement new features in compliance with EU regulations. Therefore, the company decided to postpone features that were originally scheduled to be introduced this month. Apple is currently working to deliver affected features as quickly as possible, but added that it is still evaluating which of them can actually be made available in the EU.
Places visited feature not available in the EU
One example has already been mentioned: The "Visited Places" feature in Apple's Maps app will not be available in the EU when iOS 26 is released later this year. It will be available in other regions as planned. This feature automatically saves locations where users have been—a feature that could be particularly sensitive from a data protection perspective.
The reason is the EU Digital Markets Act
At the heart of the whole issue is the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This European Union law targets large tech companies that are considered "gatekeepers" – providers that exercise particularly strong control over platforms, apps, and ecosystems. The goal of the DMA is to force these companies to open up their platforms to enable fairer competition. Apple falls under this regulation and must therefore, among other things, allow access to third-party providers and alternative app stores.
Apple warns of security and privacy risks
Apple has repeatedly expressed criticism of the DMA. According to Kyle Andeer, the required changes pose real risks—especially to data privacy, security, and the integrity of the user experience. The company sees the quality of its products at risk due to the legal requirements. Andeer pointed out that certain changes necessary to comply with the DMA created these risks in the first place.
EU and Apple disagree on impact
An EU official present at the workshop confirmed that there is a disagreement between Apple and the European Commission about the true extent of the risks. While Apple emphasizes that opening up the system would worsen the user experience and is potentially dangerous, the EU primarily sees the opportunity for more choice, innovation, and competition.
What this means for you
If you use Apple products in the EU, you should be prepared for certain new iOS features to be delayed or possibly not available at all. The exact features affected have not yet been finalized. Apple is currently reviewing all planned features with regard to legal requirements. At the same time, the company is working on solutions to deliver at least some of the features at a later date.
Apple comes into conflict with EU regulations
Apple faces a dilemma: On the one hand, the company wants to maintain its accustomed product quality and system security, but on the other, it must comply with new legal regulations that challenge precisely these principles. For users in the EU, this means fewer features in the next iOS update and an unclear outlook as to when and if these features will be added. The legal dispute between Apple and the EU could further slow the development of new features in the future – at least in the European market. (Image: Shutterstock / New Africa)
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