BRUSSELS—Apple and the European Union remain at odds over the delayed rollout of the company's new Siri AI features, with both sides defending their positions as senior officials seek a path toward compliance with the bloc's digital competition rules.
The dispute centers on Apple's decision to postpone the launch of Siri AI on iPhones and iPads in the European Union, citing requirements under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple says the law, as interpreted by European regulators, would require it to provide rival virtual assistants with broad access to device capabilities in ways that could undermine user privacy and security.
European Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen and Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook held what the Commission described this week as a "constructive" discussion covering issues of common interest, including the company's AI rollout. The Commission said work between the two sides is continuing.
Apple announced in June that Siri AI would not be available on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 in the EU when those software updates are released later this year. The company said regulators had rejected proposals designed to allow competing virtual assistants to access relevant system functions while maintaining privacy and security protections. Apple added that it had no timetable for bringing the feature to EU iPhones and iPads, although Siri AI is expected to be available on macOS 27 and visionOS 27 in the bloc.
The European Commission has rejected Apple's characterization of the dispute. Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said earlier that the decision not to launch Siri AI in the EU "is Apple's and Apple's only," arguing that the company failed to develop interoperability solutions meeting the bloc's privacy and security standards and instead sought an exemption from its obligations under the DMA.
The disagreement highlights broader tensions between major technology companies and EU regulators over implementation of the Digital Markets Act, legislation intended to increase competition by requiring designated "gatekeeper" platforms to provide greater interoperability and avoid favoring their own services. Companies found in breach of the law can face substantial financial penalties.
Apple has said it remains committed to bringing Siri AI to European users and will continue discussions with regulators. The European Commission has said dialogue with the company is ongoing but has not indicated any change in its interpretation of the DMA or a timetable for resolving the dispute.
