Apple and Europe at Odds: Siri AI Blocked by Regulations

Apple recently unveiled Siri AI at WWDC 26, an advanced version of its voice assistant, utilizing Google's Gemini technology. Designed to be a powerful conversational tool, Siri AI can analyze device data and connect to servers to provide accurate information. However, this innovation will not be available in Europe at its initial launch.

Siri AI will be deployed in the United States on iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and visionOS 27. In contrast, Apple announced that the European Union would not benefit from this new feature due to strict data management regulations known as the DMA. Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president, expressed his disappointment regarding this situation, emphasizing that the company hopes to offer Siri AI in Europe in the future. He also mentioned that discussions with European authorities are ongoing, although they have not yet led to a satisfactory solution.

Conflict over the DMA

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires tech companies to share certain data, including algorithmic information, with their competitors and allows users to retrieve their data. Apple, which prides itself on securing user data, views this legislation as a threat to its privacy policy. According to Apple, the design of Siri AI, which incorporates on-device processing and a private cloud, ensures enhanced data security.

Apple criticizes the strict interpretation of the DMA by European regulators, which, according to the company, would force them to grant direct access to users' private data to other virtual assistants, thereby compromising security. This situation highlights the tensions between Apple and Europe, where laws on digital sovereignty and data protection are becoming increasingly stringent.

As a result, Siri AI will not be available on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 in Europe, and no launch date is currently planned for this region.