A day after Apple announced that Siri AI will not launch on iPhone and iPad in the European Union, EU officials have pushed back against the company’s explanation, saying the decision to withhold the feature is entirely Apple’s.
According to comments from the European Commission, Apple failed to develop interoperability solutions that complied with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and instead sought an exemption from its obligations. The Commission says such an exemption was never an option.
The response follows Apple’s announcement at WWDC 2026 that Siri AI would launch later this year in several markets but would remain unavailable on iOS and iPadOS devices in the EU. Apple blamed the delay on what it described as regulatory requirements that could compromise user privacy and security.
Apple executives, including software chief Craig Federighi, argued that the European Commission rejected proposals designed to allow third-party virtual assistants to safely access the same capabilities as Siri AI. The company said it had proposed safeguards that would protect users while meeting interoperability requirements under the DMA.
However, the European Commission disputes that characterization. EU officials say Apple did not present a compliant interoperability solution and instead requested to be exempt from the DMA’s requirements altogether. According to the Commission, Apple was unable to develop a solution that met both interoperability obligations and the bloc’s privacy and security standards.
“The decision not to roll out Siri AI in the EU is Apple’s and Apple’s only,” spokesperson Thomas Regnier told reporters in Brussels, saying there was nothing in the Digital Markets Act to stop the company from introducing new products in the EU.“Apple was simply unable to develop interoperability solutions that meet essential EU privacy and security standards,” Regnier said.“Instead of trying to find a suitable compliance solution, Apple simply made a request to the European Commission to be exempted from their interoperability obligations under the DMA – and this for at least 18 months. That’s not an option.”
The disagreement highlights the growing tension between Apple and European regulators over the Digital Markets Act. The law requires designated gatekeepers, including Apple, to allow greater interoperability with competing services and platforms. Apple has repeatedly argued that some DMA requirements could expose users to security risks if implemented incorrectly.
In defending its position, Apple said an overly broad interpretation of the DMA could force it to grant third-party AI assistants extensive access to sensitive device data and system functions. The company claims this could create new security vulnerabilities and increase the risk of misuse by malicious actors.
The European Commission rejects that argument and maintains that compliance can be achieved without weakening privacy protections. Regulators have pointed to similar interoperability efforts elsewhere in the industry, including ongoing work involving Android and third-party AI services.
For now, Siri AI remains unavailable on iPhone and iPad in the European Union, though Apple says the feature will still be available on Mac in the region later this year. The company has not provided a timeline for bringing Siri AI to EU iPhone and iPad users, but says it plans to continue discussions with regulators.
The dispute means that when iOS 27 launches this fall, EU users will miss out on some of Apple’s most significant AI features, at least initially.
(via Reuters)
