Apple has announced that its new Siri AI will not be available to users in the European Union with the upcoming releases of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. This decision stems from challenges posed by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has complicated Apple's ability to launch the updated virtual assistant in the region.
What Happened: During recent discussions, EU regulators rejected Apple's proposals to safely introduce Siri AI while ensuring compliance with the DMA. As a result, EU users will miss out on the advanced features of Siri AI, which will be accessible on other platforms such as macOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, expressed disappointment over the situation, stating, "Our hope is to eventually bring Siri AI to the EU, and we will continue to engage with EU regulators on a path forward." However, he noted that there is currently no timeline for when Siri AI might be available on iOS and iPadOS in the EU.
Key Features of Siri AI:
- Dedicated app for revisiting conversations
- Expanded Visual Intelligence experience
- Integrated writing tools
- Siri mode in Camera on iOS
Despite the setback, Apple is committed to finding a solution that aligns with privacy and security standards. The company proposed a Trusted System Agent, designed to allow virtual assistants safe access to device features without compromising user data. However, this proposal was not accepted by the European Commission.
Why It Matters: The delay highlights the ongoing tension between tech companies and regulatory bodies regarding user privacy and data security. The DMA’s stringent requirements could set a precedent for how virtual assistants operate in Europe.
Apple will continue to explore ways to bring Siri AI to the EU while prioritizing user safety. Until then, developers in the EU will also be unable to test or utilize the new Siri AI features for their apps on iOS and iPadOS.
