iOS 18.4 is the next major update for the iPhone. Apple is once again expanding its feature set, including artificial intelligence. But even though many new features are now available in the EU, one function is still missing: iPhone syncing. This feature will not be available in Europe for the time being.
When Apple introduced iOS 18 last year, it already announced that certain features would not be immediately available in the EU. The reason is due to legal requirements such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which places new demands on large tech companies. Now, while iOS 18.4 brings Apple Intelligence to Europe, iPhone syncing remains unavailable. Many had been waiting for precisely this feature – but it remains blocked.
What exactly is iPhone syncing
iPhone Mirroring allows you to see your iPhone's screen directly on your Mac and control it from there – wirelessly and in real time. You can open apps, enter text, change settings, or show presentations – all from your Mac, without having to touch your iPhone. This feature is part of the tight integration between macOS and iOS, but only works if both devices are linked to the same Apple ID.
Why iPhone syncing is missing in the EU
With the release of the so-called Release Candidate (RC) of iOS 18.4 to developers and beta testers, there was hope that iPhone syncing would also be enabled for EU users. After all, the update brings Apple Intelligence to European countries for the first time. But these hopes were dashed. The syncing function remains blocked. Apple cites regulatory uncertainties created by the EU's Digital Markets Act as the reason. The DMA requires platform operators like Apple to enable greater openness to other services. Apple sees this as a threat to the security and functionality of its systems and cites potential risks to the "integrity of our products." Therefore, iPhone syncing is not offered in Europe for the time being.
Further restrictions under the Digital Markets Act
iPhone syncing isn't the only feature unavailable in the EU. SharePlay Screen Sharing—a revamped version of screen sharing via FaceTime—is also affected. Apple doesn't provide a clear reason why some features, like Apple Intelligence, are now allowed while others remain blocked. It's likely that technical complexity and the level of system access play a role in the decision.
When could the feature be activated in Europe?
Apple has not yet made a statement on whether and when iPhone syncing will be introduced in the EU. The official release of iOS 18.4 in early April will not change this. The feature remains blocked in most European countries. It remains unclear whether Apple will find a legally secure solution or make adjustments to the functionality.
In the EU: iPhone synchronization remains on hold
With iOS 18.4, Apple is introducing important innovations – especially for European users, who now have access to Apple Intelligence for the first time. However, iPhone syncing remains disabled. Apple justifies this with regulatory uncertainties caused by the Digital Markets Act. Those who have been waiting for this feature will have to wait a little longer or rely on third-party apps – even though these generally don't offer the same convenience or deep system integration as the official solution. Whether the feature will be added in the future remains to be seen. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide range of accessories, including for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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