Apple is looking at legal options to bring Apple Intelligence to European users. Stricter laws in Europe make it more difficult to introduce the AI software than in America .
Recently, the AI Act came into effect. These rules are specific to the EU and impose rules and laws on AI manufacturers to make AI software reliable and safe. The rules apply to all products rolled out to European users.
Apple will soon be subject to this legislation when it releases its own AI software. Apple Intelligence should become part of iOS 18, probably starting with a second or third version of the software.
Rollout seemed impossible
Since the announcement of the AI software, there has been no talk about a fast rollout for European users. The company did share that the features will be available only in English at launch, and more languages will be added throughout the first year.
During a call with investors, Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke for the first time about availability in Europe and China, reports 9to5mac. In the limited response, he said Apple is in talks with regulators to roll out the AI features to “everyone.” An exact timeframe is not yet available; for that, Apple is waiting to see which legislation it needs to comply with.
“Our goal is obviously to move as quickly as possible because our goal is always to make features available to everyone. We need to understand the legal requirements before we can commit to that and set a schedule for that, but we are very constructive with both,” Cook said. Within Europe, specific concerns around privacy and security in the face of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) are holding back the rollout. The company previously shared these concerns, stating that a 2024 rollout seemed unfeasible.
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