Apple (AAPL, Financial) announced a delay in launching several new privacy features in the European Union (EU) due to complexities arising from the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The iOS 26 update, set for release later this year, includes features like "Visited Places" that encrypts users' location histories to optimize travel routes and avoid traffic. However, these features will not be available in the EU as planned.
Apple's Deputy General Counsel, Kyle Andeer, cited concerns over user security if forced to comply with DMA's open ecosystem requirements. The DMA aims to enhance competition by allowing third-party developers fairer access to consumers, requiring interoperability between Apple devices and third-party hardware like smartwatches and headphones. Apple argues that these regulations could compromise product design, privacy protection, and security standards.
The company is exploring solutions to expedite the availability of these features in the EU while evaluating which functions may not be introduced. Non-compliance with DMA can result in fines up to 10% of global annual revenue. Earlier this year, Apple was fined €500 million ($586 million) by the European Commission for limiting developers' options outside its App Store.
