Apple has confirmed that some of its headline new features will be delayed in Europe, citing complications with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
In a statement reported by The Verge, the company said the regulations create “more complexity and more risks for our EU users,” pointing to the requirement to open up Apple services to third-party hardware.
Features stuck in limbo
Among the features now on hold are AI-powered Live Translation for AirPods, iPhone Mirroring, and new Visited Places and Preferred Routes tools in Apple Maps. Apple argues that making these work on non-Apple devices without compromising privacy and data security isn’t yet possible.
Not everything is being held back, though. The latest iOS 26.1 beta includes early signs of compliance, such as a notification forwarding feature that would allow iPhone notifications to appear on third-party smartwatches, along with new pairing options for accessories outside the Apple ecosystem.
EU pressure builds
The DMA is designed to prevent so-called “gatekeepers” like Apple, Google and Meta from locking users into closed systems. For Apple, that means loosening its famously tight integration between hardware and software; something that has defined the iPhone experience for over a decade.
The EU has given Apple until the end of 2025 to make most of these features accessible in Europe. If Apple doesn’t comply, it could face more fines, adding to the $580 million it was already hit with in April over App Store violations. Despite its resistance, Apple says it’s investing “thousands of hours” to meet the requirements.
Apple’s concern for user privacy is genuine, but this is also about protecting the walled garden that keeps customers loyal. By holding back features in Europe, the company risks frustrating users, though it may also strengthen its case against the DMA.
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