Apple’s Siri AI Delayed in EU Over Digital Markets Act Compliance
Apple’s new Siri AI, powered by Apple Intelligence, faces a significant delay in the European Union due to regulatory hurdles tied to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company announced that Siri AI will not be available in the EU with the upcoming iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 releases, citing unresolved conflicts with EU regulations. This decision has sparked debate over the balance between innovation and compliance with antitrust laws.
Why Is Siri AI Delayed in the EU?
The European Commission has not approved Apple’s proposed solutions to integrate Siri AI while ensuring fair access for other virtual assistants. Under the DMA, Apple would be required to grant third-party AI systems unrestricted access to user data and device functionality—something Apple argues compromises privacy and security. Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, stated, “We hope to offer Siri AI in the EU soon, but we cannot proceed without a solution that safeguards user privacy and security.”
The DMA mandates that “gatekeepers” like Apple allow competitors to access core platform features. For Siri AI, this would mean enabling other virtual assistants to control apps, access data, and perform actions without user consent—a requirement Apple deems incompatible with its privacy-first design.
Apple’s Proposed Solution: Trusted System Agent
To address the DMA, Apple introduced a framework called the “Trusted System Agent,” designed to let third-party assistants access device features securely. The plan involved a phased rollout over 18 months. However, the European Commission has rejected this approach, insisting on immediate, unfettered access for competitors.
Apple’s current strategy prioritizes user privacy, leveraging on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute to protect data. The company argues that the DMA’s strict requirements could expose users to security risks, as malicious AI systems might exploit unrestricted access to steal sensitive information or alter device settings.
EU Regulators’ Stance and Industry Concerns
The European Commission has emphasized that the DMA aims to foster competition by preventing large tech firms from leveraging their dominance to stifle rivals. A 2023 European Commission report highlighted the need for “open ecosystems” where users can choose assistants without vendor lock-in. However, critics argue that the DMA’s broad scope risks stifling innovation by imposing rigid compliance standards.
Security experts have warned that unrestricted AI access could lead to vulnerabilities. A 2024 NIST study found that AI systems are increasingly targeted by hackers, with 30% of breaches involving unauthorized data extraction. Apple’s approach, which limits third-party access, aligns with industry recommendations for “privacy by design,” but clashes with the DMA’s regulatory framework.
What’s Next for Apple and the EU?
Apple has pledged to continue working with EU regulators to find a compromise. However, without a resolution, Siri AI will remain unavailable in the EU for iOS and iPadOS. The delay underscores the growing tension between tech innovation and regulatory oversight, particularly as AI becomes more integrated into daily life.
For now, EU users can access Siri AI on macOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27. Developers in the region will also miss out on testing Siri AI features for iOS and iPadOS apps. As the dispute unfolds, the outcome could set a precedent for how AI is regulated globally.